CFA crews have attended two call outs to two separate properties in the Hamilton district in the past week. 

One was from a hay baler at Tarrone last Wednesday, another was from a spray unit that was fortunately extinguished before units arrived near Gazette last Tuesday.

CFA District 5 assistant chief fire officer, Kade Dowie, said at this time of the year rural machinery posed an increased risk with a lot of annual farm practices ramping up activities such as cropping and baling across the district.

He took the opportunity to remind all locals to be prepared as the fire season had already started with restrictions in place.

“Our message is about using only well-maintained machinery,” he said.

He said it was about reminding everyone to exercise caution and always think about how actions could start a fire.

“It’s for the whole community to be vigilant for accidental ignitions from machinery or malfunction in the rural environment.”

Officer Dowie said it was critical everyone adapted their behaviour when facing the increased fire conditions as it was crucial to staying safe this summer.

The call outs were a timely reminder for residents to be aware that conditions accompanying the El Nino weather event can increase a bushfire’s size, intensity, speed and predictability.

Conditions to look out for include higher temperatures, strong winds, dryer conditions, low humidity, increased fuel loads (e.g. grass, leaf litter, twigs, bark) and lightning storms.

It is important that residents understand fire danger ratings, that everyone follows official guidelines, and are prepared for any emergency as disobeying restrictions relating to Total Fire Ban or fire danger periods can carry penalties.

Penalties for recklessly causing a bushfire or grass fire include up to 15 years’ imprisonment. The maximum penalty for arson resulting in death is 25 years’ imprisonment. Reckless behaviour can include leaving campfires unattended, burning off without a permit, or using unmaintained machinery or hot tools that emit flames or sparks.

Hamilton Fire Brigade Captain, Malcolm Anderson, concurred that it was vital to prepare now for the fire season. 

“Fire restrictions are now in force so you cannot have a fire without a permit - it’s illegal,” he said.

“There are other ways to tidy up around your property.”

He also took the opportunity to remind residents to be cognisant of the fire rating system and what should or should not be done based on where you live, work and travel. 

“Have a plan,” he said.

“Communicate it to your family, friends and practice it. 

“CFA brigades will respond to all emergencies but there are not enough trucks to have one at every house so we would like the community to prepare, have a plan, understand the fire ratings issued in the media and online, understand the potential risks for your location, decide if you should stay and defend or leave early. 

“It is extremely dangerous to wait to the last minute to leave.

“Look after yourselves, including your animals, be aware power may be lost during a fire - be prepared.

“For more info go to CFA’s website - there is heaps of useful information to help you.”

Find out what you can and can’t do during the declared Fire Danger Period, and on days of Total Fire Ban, by visiting CFA’s website: Can I? Can’t I?