By MELISSA MEEHAN
DO you know that the 1000 Steps is closed on a day of total fire ban?
This was just one of the questions fitness fanatics were asked as they attempted to climb the 1000 Steps on Thursday afternoon as emergency service personnel including police and volunteer fire-fighters joined Parks Victoria staff to spread the word.
In the lead-up to what is expected to be a high risk fire season, those visiting the steps are being asked to act on the side of caution on extremely hot days over summer.
CFA Operations manager for District 13 Dave Rankin said the 1000 Steps was one of the most fire danger areas in the region.
“We’re here today making sure that they know about the dangers of visiting on days when fire bans are in place,” Mr Rankin said.
“It obviously has an impact on our volunteers, for every one person who could be potentially trapped in this park if there was a fire, seven of our volunteers would need to put their own life at risk.”
Mr Rankin said there was an abundance of growth in the park and surrounding areas which would dry out over the next few months.
“It’s reminiscent of 1996 prior to the 1997 fires in this area,” he said.
“There is a real potential that it will be a bad season this year.”
Mr Rankin said the aim of questioning people attempting to climb the 1000 Steps was to gauge where they were from and how informed they were about the area.
“We spoke to two girls who had come up from the city and said they didn’t even know this area was prone to bushfire,” he said.
“That’s the problem because it’s so close to the suburbs, people don’t realise the potential risk.”
Mr Rankin said it was important for those using the steps and who lived in the area to have a good fire plan and practise it.
He said the plan for those on the mountain must include leaving early.
Mr Rankin said there would be increased police and CFA presence in the area over summer.
“If you see something, say something,” Mr Rankin said.
“Call triple-zero if you see a fire, or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 if you see any suspicious behaviour.”
