Clean up before a fire does

COUNTRY Fire Authority operation manager John Athorn has warned Yarra Valley residents to prepare their properties for potential bushfires.
“Every year we declare the fire danger period, every year we have bushfires, every year residents are told to clean up before a bushfire does and every year we get people attempting to burn off once the fire danger period starts,” Mr Athorn said.
“In effect this places lives and homes in jeopardy because when people burn off there is always a risk of the fire getting out of control, but once it gets dry this danger is exacerbated.
“This year I am considering Friday, 16 December as the potential commencement date for the fire danger period,” he said.
Mr Athorn said the final decision on the date would be based on local conditions, but current forecasts indicated 16 December would be the likely date.