By Callum Ludwig
Local fire brigades are urging residents to help keep their properties as accessible as possible as summer brings with it the risk of fire.
The time it takes or the restrictions created by obstructions for fire brigades can make a critical impact on the destruction a fire can cause.
Yarra Junction CFA Lieutenant Steve Harry said vegetation and overhanging branches are normally the main causes of obstruction.
“Something that is also pertinent considering the current building of smaller estates in Yarra Junction is the narrowness of the roads and people parking in the street. It can block a large vehicle like a fire truck from coming in if two people opposite both do the same thing, which causes a problem,” he said.
“In the end, it is respect and courtesy for your fellow neighbours in the event that something happens, that they would also themselves want someone there as quickly as possible and if it’s something holding it up, then it’s not a good experience and could delay the response that we have either for property, life or assets.”
Particularly for larger properties, it is important that a truck has access in order to reach the fire, which may not be possible from the street.
Mr Harry said the simple way to check if your driveway is ready is to imagine if a three by three metre box could fit.
“Just have a look and wonder if that would actually fit. In larger properties, also think about the 30m turning capacity, if it’s a call that’s not something that we need to stay there for or may not be urgent, can we turn around quickly if we do get another response to get back out again,” he said.
“If you are in a small enclave or estate of houses, make sure you have got good communication, maybe even a social media group chat, to just say to be mindful if you do have a fire that a large truck or ambulance can get in.”
A fire truck is also about 7.1 metres or 23 feet long, which is another thing to consider in turns of preparing for a fire.
Mr Harry urged residents to be more vigilant of fire danger at this time of year.
“That includes understanding the new Fire Danger Rating System which you are able to access off the CFA website, there are four segments now so it’s nice and easy,” he said.
“It’s important for the residents themselves, understanding what that means, what each colour code means as it escalates and then put appropriate actions in place and in those high-risk days.”
