Bushfire Information

ABC radio (100.7 FM and 828 AM) is the official emergency broadcaster and is also regularly providing updates and information. We encourage you to keep up to date with the latest bushfire information to ensure your safety. For information on current fires in Gippsland and other parts of Victoria please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667 or visit the following websites: DSE www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires CFA www.cfa.vic.gov.au   DHS www.dhs.vic.gov.au/em/bushfire-recovery ABC www.abc.net.au/gippsland

Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call the Victorian Bushfire Information Hotline through the National Relay Service using a modem or textphone/teletypewriter (TTY) by dialling 1800 555 677 then asking for 1800 240 667.

Clearing of Native Vegetation

Click here to read the DSE advice on clearing of Native Vegetation >

Road access information

• Information about road closures is available from VicRoads - website address is: http://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/trafficinfo

VicRoads Priority

• For information on the priority services set up for Victorian registration and licensing call 13 11 71 or visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au For information on road closures call 13 11 70 or visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au>

Preparing Your Pets For An Emergency

Response Information

Bushfire

Large sections of Latrobe City are classed as bushfire prone areas. Latrobe City has a Municipal Fire Prevention Plan, as required by the CFA Act 1958; this plan outlines how council will react in the event of a bushfire within the shire.

When a bushfire occurs within Latrobe City, or threatens Latrobe City, the MECC (Municipal Emergency Control Centre) is set up and staffed by council staff. You should ascertain whether or not you live in a bushfire prone area, and then make sure your have a fire plan in place, so that you know what to do if a fire threatens.  Further information on the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan

Contact Information

• For further information relating to fire, click here for the CFA website. Up to the minute bushfire information is also available by calling the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667. Fire Prevention For further information on fire prevention within the municipality, contact Council on 1300 367 700.

Bushfire Action Guide

• In bushfires, radiant heat, dehydration and asphyxiation are the main killers. Well prepared houses resist brief exposure to flames, protecting occupants who may save their homes.

Before the Bushfire Season - prevent/prepare

• If possible, make a firebreak around your home (use a mower, spade, rake), trim branches well clear of the house. Clear the roof and gutters of leaves, twigs, etc.
• Remove all rubbish, leaf litter and native shrubs growing too close to the house. Keep grass short and green.
• Fire wire screens to doors, windows, vents and enclose all gaps, roof eaves and the area under your house.
• Keep a ladder handy for roof access (inside and out) and fit hoses to reach all parts of the house and garden. If water is not connected, obtain a high pressure pump.
• Store wood, fuel, paints, etc. well clear of the house.
• Check you have adquate insurance cover for bushfire.
• Decide on a household plan to either leave early or stay to protect you home during a bushfire.

Link to Slashing Contractors List (word doc, 32kb)

Content Provided by Emergency Management Australia COA