CURRENT NEWS AT MACEDON FIRE BRIGADE

17 November 2008 - Fire Danger Period is now in force - a message from our Region 14 Media department.

CFA Outer Metro Norwest Area is advising residents that the Fire Danger Period (FDP) for the municipalities of Wyndham, Melton, Macedon Ranges, Hume, Mitchell, Moorabool and Whittlesea has commenced Monday 17 November 2008 and will remain in force until 1 May 2009. 

Two consecutive months of below average rainfall and warmer than average Spring temperatures informed CFA's decision on a mid-November start to the Fire Danger Period. 

During the FDP, fires cannot be lit in the open air without a permit. CFA Manager Community Safety, James Fox, said people should become familiar with what restrictions apply.  

“Some fires need a permit, and others are only allowed in specific conditions,” he said. “Fires to burn off grass, undergrowth or weeds must be accompanied by a permit—issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer. 

“Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth, however, do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces, within limits of wind speed and clearance perimeter, and are to be supervised at all times,” he said. 

“Illegal fires are often lit without consideration of weather conditions and do not have the required controls in place to manage the fire,” Mr Fox added.

Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of up to $5,500 or 12 months imprisonment.

The FDP and Total Fire Ban is explained in more detail with the Can I or Can’t I? brochure, downloadable from CFA’s web site (www.cfa.vic.gov.au).. 

For information on bushfire planning, call the Victorian Bushfire Information line on 1800 240 667 or visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au


November  2008     "TUNE IN TO BE PREPARED":
 
This year’s Fire Awareness Day is Friday November 14 and the ABC will broadcast a full day of comprehensive coverage in conjunction with CFA, DSE, MFB and DHS. Please CLICK HERE to download a copy of the information brochure.


November  2008     The Fire Danger Period is coming - a message from our Region 14 Media department.

CFA Outer Metro Norwest Area is advising residents to be ready for the introduction of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) on the 17th November 2008.

Manager Community Safety, James Fox said warmer temperatures and lower-than-average rainfall has CFA planning the move.

“Conditions on the ground are changing rapidly. September was windy and the driest on record while October has seen very little rainfall. As a result, the countryside is quickly drying out, presenting a very real fire risk.” 

During the FDP, fires cannot be lit in the open air without a permit and any applications to burn need to be made to the local Municipal Fire Prevention Officer. Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of up to $5,500 or 12 months imprisonment.

Mr Fox said providing advanced notice “will allow residents sufficient time to undertake fire prevention works on properties, including burning off, before the FDPs introduction.” 

Burning off is subject to Council local laws and residents should check with their local Council before lighting any fire. All burn-offs should be registered with the VicFire Burn-off notification line on 1800 668 511. 

The FDP's introduction will be publicised in local media, on the CFA website (www.cfa.vic.gov.au) and via roadside signage.

The FDP is explained in more detail with the Can I or Can’t I? brochure, downloadable from CFA’s website (www.cfa.vic.gov.au).

For information on bushfire planning, call the Victorian Bushfire Information line on 1800 240 667 or visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au


July  2008    New Officers and Leadership Group elected at the recent brigade elections

The brigade held it's bi-annual elections in May of this year. The officer group and Brigade Management Team are:-

Captain Greg Snart
1st Lieutenant Ross Luke
2nd Lieutenant Peter Dillon
3rd Lieutenant Peter Shaw
4th Lieutenant Daniel Millard
Communication's Officer Jason Amos
Apparatus Officer Liam Miles
Secretary Scott Speers

1 May  2008    FIRE RESTRICTIONS LIFTED IN THE MACEDON RANGES SHIRE

Fire restrictions have been lifted as from 0100 hours (1.00 am) on Thursday 1st May 2008 - residents are urged to continue taking extra care and caution when burning off.


15th November 2007    BUSHFIRE SAFETY MEETINGS FOR THE MACEDON AREA.

Meetings will be held locally to assist you in preparing for the fire season. For session details please download the following brochure by clicking here.


12th November 2007    FIRE RESTRICTIONS FOR THE 2007 - 2008 FIRE SEASON ARE NOW IN FORCE

Fire restrictions came into force from 0100 hours (1.00 am) on Monday 12th November 2007 - residents are urged to clean up their properties and to take care and caution when burning off. No burn-offs (without a permit) are allowed. Please note that a "zero tolerance" policy will be in force this fire season. That is, if the brigade is called out to an "illegal burn-off", police will be notified and requested to attend, where police and legal action may ensue.


November 2007    START OF FIRE RESTRICTIONS FOR THE 2007 - 2008 FIRE SEASON IN THE MACEDON RANGES SHIRE

Fire restrictions will be in force from 0100 hours (1.00 am) on Monday 12th November 2007


16 April 2007    FIRE RESTRICTIONS LIFTED IN THE MACEDON RANGES SHIRE

Fire restrictions have been lifted as from 0100 hours (1.00 am) on Monday 16th April 2007 - residents are urged to continue taking extra care and caution when burning off.


6 April 2007    ROYAL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL

The brigade would like to thank the Macedon community for their generous support for the 2007 Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal . Over $2,200 was raised in the local area.


1 January 2007     ALPINE FIRES UPDATE

Macedon Fire Brigade have been assisting the fire fighting efforts in the Alpine area of Victoria. Macedon Fire fighters have been deployed at Mt Hotham, Mt Beauty and Mt Buffalo as part of Region 14 / Mountain Group Strike Teams. Crews have undertaken asset protection and back burning operations. Macedon Tanker 1 has also been utilised in these fires which are expected to continue burning for some time.


24 December 2006     SANTA ARRIVES IN MACEDON

Santa again found time in his busy schedule to visit the kids in Macedon on Christmas Eve. As his reindeer were resting for the busy night ahead, Santa called on the Macedon CFA to assist. This is an annual event which both the little & big kids of Macedon look forward to.