Fire

Water Recovery

CFA and Forest Fire Management firefighters have the legislative powers to take water from any waterway or water source for firefighting purposes.

The water owner can request replacement of essential water under this scheme.

This scheme helps to relieve hardship in the community by replenishing essential private water supplies that have been used by fire services during bushfire emergencies.

View the Policy and apply for Water Replacement on the Public Land Recovery page by Forest Fire Management Victoria

Bushfires and Water Tanks

If you live in a bushfire-affected area, you should be aware that your private water source could become contaminated from debris, ash, fire retardants or dead animals. Also, you should not source water from a creek that has been affected by bushfire as the water may be contaminated.

For more information visit Bushfires and Watertanks on Better Health Channel.

Bushfire Smoke

Bushfire smoke can reduce air quality in rural and urban areas and may affect people's health. Bushfire smoke can affect you and your family's health, and there are actions that you can take to avoid or reduce potential health effects.

View more information on the Bushfire Smoke page on Better Health Channel.

Bushfire Aftermath - Safety Tips

Houses, sheds and other buildings or structures burnt in a bushfire can leave potential health hazards. These may include fallen or sharp objects, smouldering coals, damaged electrical wires, leaking gas and weakened walls. When returning to your property, make sure you are aware of the dangers and take steps to protect your health and safety.

View safety tips on Bushfire Aftermath - Safety Tips on Better Health Channel

Do You Have a Fire Plan?

If you live in a bushfire prone area make sure you have a fire plan. Visit the CFA website to find out more.

Do you have a firebreak around your home?

If possible, make a firebreak around your home. Find out how to create a fire break

Where are the Neighbourhood Safer Places in Latrobe City?

• Boolarra Memorial Hall, Corner Tarwin and Christian Streets, Boolarra 3870
• Yinnar Primary School, Main Street, Yinnar 3869

Latrobe City Council has adopted the Municipal Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSP) Plan.  NSPs are not community fire refuges or emergency relief centres. 

They are places of last resort during the passage of a bushfire, and are intended to be used by people whose primary bushfire plans have failed. They do not guarantee survival. 

Furthermore, there may be serious risks to safety encountered in travelling, and seeking access, to NSPs during bushfire events.

Depending on the direction of a particular fire, it may not be a safer place to assemble than other places within the municipal district.

For further information, contact the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer on 1300 367 700.

Bushfire Arson and Reckless Fires

The Crime Stoppers Victoria Bushfire Arson and Reckless Fires Campaign has been developed to support people in the community to confidentially report suspicious bushfire arson and reckless fire activity and information to Crime Stoppers. In doing so we hope to discourage potential arsonists whilst encouraging the community to provide information if they may be aware of suspicious activity.

Remember:

• If you see something, if you know something, say something
• Up to 50% of bushfires are recklessly or deliberately lit
• Preventing bushfires is everyone’s responsibility
• If you have information regarding someone you believe may be involved in arson CALL 1800 333 000, report online at Crimestoppers website or download our smart phone app. Call 000 for emergencies.
• If you have information about suspicious activity or know of someone lighting fires, you can make a confidential report. You do not need to give your name or details. Your information could save lives

Structure Fire

If there is a structure fire you should:

• Alert all people nearby and request assistance
• Help any person in immediate danger (only if safe to do so)
• Call the Fire Brigade on "000"
• Close the door on the fire to contain the spread
• If threat to life exists, evacuate immediately, closing all doors
• Isolate electricity (only if safe to do so)
• Shut off gas cylinders (only if safe to do so)
• Extinguish the fire (only if safe to do so)
• Check that all areas have been cleared
• Move to the Emergency Assembly Area or Evacuation Point
• Ensure people stay at the Emergency Assembly Area or Evacuation Point