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Your Guide

to Survival

Version 4 cfa.vic.gov.au
Am I at risk of fire?

You don’t have to live in Fires can occur where


the suburbs meet the
the country to be at risk. bush or in urban areas
where houses have grass,
bushland or parkland
around them.

Fires occur in all these areas:

Close to or among
grass or paddocks
Close to or among
dense or open bush

Where cities and towns


meet grasslands

Near coastal Where suburbs meet


scrub the bush or grasslands

2  
How bad is the risk today?

Know which fire weather district you live in or


are visiting. This is vital – fire danger ratings
and total fire bans are declared by district.

Mallee

Northern
Wimmera Country North East

North
Central
East
Gippsland
Central
South West

West & South


Gippsland

Know your daily Fire Danger Rating Know your restrictions

CODE RED
TOTAL FIRE BAN
Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) Total Fire Bans
tell you how dangerous a fire would be tell you what you can and can’t do and
if one started – the higher the rating, what activities are banned on certain
the more dangerous the conditions. days during high fire risk months.

  3
Can I or can’t I?
There are legal restrictions in place during the Fire Danger Period and on Total Fire Ban Days.
The Can I or Can’t I? brochure (pictured below) details what you can or can’t do when fires in the
open air are restricted. Go to cfa.vic.gov.au/can to view this important brochure.

Can I or can’t I?
To report a fire

Updated August 2016


DIAL 000 Can I have a BBQ,
This guide gives you general information about what you can
and can’t do during declared Fire Danger Periods and on days
page for more information about the Department of Environment,
Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP) role. Also, always check
light a camp fire
of Total Fire Ban, when fires in the open air are legally restricted.

CFA declares Fire Danger Periods by municipalities in the


country area of Victoria during periods of increased fire risk. Refer
with your municipality as some have restrictions in place all year
round.

Total Fire Bans are declared by CFA on days when fires are likely
or light a fire for
to the CFA website cfa.vic.gov.au for further details about your
location. In state forests, national parks and on protected public
land, fire restrictions are in force all year round. See the back
to spread rapidly and be difficult to control. The penalties for
lighting fires illegally during the Fire Danger Period and on Total
Fire Ban Days include large fines and possible imprisonment.
warmth or comfort?
Can I have a During Fire Danger Period On Total Fire Ban Days
barbecue, light a No, unless: All camp fires, fires for warmth or
camp fire or light a • the wind is 10km/h or less (this can be observed if
personal comfort are banned during
Total Fire Ban Days. Solid and liquid fuel
fire for warmth or leaves and small twigs are in constant motion)
barbecues and ovens (including hangis) are also
comfort? • the fire is lit in a properly-constructed fireplace or banned during Total Fire Ban Days.
in a trench at least 30 centimetres deep
No, unless:
• the area within a distance of 3 metres from the outer
perimeter of the fire and the uppermost point of the
fire is clear of flammable material
• the fire does not occupy an area in excess of
1 square metre and the size and dimensions of
• the barbecue uses only gas or electricity and is a
permanently fixed structure built of stone, metal,
concrete or another non-flammable material designed
exclusively for meal preparation, or is designed and
Can I use self-propelled farm
machinery, tractors, slashers,
solid fuel used are the minimum necessary for commercially manufactured exclusively for meal
the purpose preparation (including portable barbecues), and when
alight is placed in a stable position
• An adult is there at all times when the fire is alight who
has the capacity and means to extinguish the fire • the area within a distance of 3 metres from

earth-moving, excavating
the outer perimeter of the barbecue is clear of
• the fire is completely extinguished before the
flammable material
person leaves
• you have either a hose connected to a water supply
Note that according to the CFA Act, a properly- or a container with at least 10 litres of water for

or road-making machines
constructed fireplace means a fireplace that is immediate use
constructed of stone, metal, concrete or any other • an adult is there at all times when a fire is alight who
non-flammable material that contains the perimeter has the capacity and means to extinguish the fire
of the fire. A commercially-produced barbecue is
• the fire is completely extinguished before the

propelled by a heat engine?


considered a properly-constructed fireplace.
adult leaves.

I run a meal During Fire Danger Period On Total Fire Ban Days
preparation business No, unless: No, unless you have a written
(eg catering). Can I set • The wind is not more than 10km/h (this can permit issued by CFA, MFB or
DELWP and you comply with the
up and light a fire to be observed if leaves and small twigs are in
conditions of that permit.
operate a barbecue, constant motion)
• The fire is lit in a properly-constructed fireplace or A community organisation, a charitable organisation
cooker or hotplate at in a trench at least 30 centimetres deep or an organisation involved in fundraising (for
outdoor functions? • The area within a distance of 3 metres from the
example, a school or sporting group) may apply
for permission to light a fire to prepare meals for
outer perimeter of the appliance (barbecue, cooker,
other people in the course of their business. These
hotplate or spit) is clear of flammable material
permits are issued by, and at the discretion of, local

Can I use a
• The fire does not occupy an area of more than CFA district offices, CFA headquarters, MFB district
1 square metre and the size and dimensions of offices, or the Chief Fire Officer of DELWP in Fire
solid fuel used are the minimum necessary for Protected Areas.
the purpose
Municipal Fire Prevention Officers cannot issue

chainsaw, plant
• A person is in attendance at all times while the fire is these permits.
alight and has the capacity and means to extinguish
the fire
• The fire is completely extinguished before the

or grass trimmer
person leaves
If you cannot meet these conditions you will need to
apply for a permit from a CFA district office.

mfb.vic.gov.au cfa.vic.gov.au
or lawn mower?

Burning off
Once fire restrictions come into force for your shire
or council (known as the Fire Danger Period*), You need a permit to
burn off during the Fire
you cannot light a fire in the open air unless you Danger Period.
have a permit or comply with certain restrictions.

You can apply for a permit by You will need to tell them: * The Fire Danger Period
contacting your local shire begins in the lead up to
›› the location
or council. You must also summer and is declared by
notify Emergency Services ›› the date CFA for each shire or council.
Telecommunications Authority ›› expected start and finish times Go to cfa.vic.gov.au or your
– or ESTA – of your burn off by ›› what you intend to burn local shire or council for
calling 1800 668 511. up-to-date information.
›› the estimated size of the
burn off.

4  
Big decisions
At the very least, here are ten things you should discuss and
decide with your family before summer even starts.

10 important decisions to Leaving early – what When you decide to leave


make with your family is the most important
does it mean? decision you will make.
Which Fire Danger Rating
 ‘Leaving early’ means being
is your trigger to leave? Driving in a bushfire is
away from high risk areas
extremely dangerous and can
Will you leave early before there are any signs of
 be fatal. A drive that would
that morning or the fire. It does not mean waiting
normally take five minutes
night before? for a warning or a siren. It does
could take two hours with road
not mean waiting to see or
closures, traffic jams, crashes,
Where will you go? smell smoke. And it certainly
smoke, fallen trees and embers
does not mean waiting for
What route will you take getting in the way.
 a knock on the door.
and what is your back
Plan ahead so you know how
up route if a fire is already Fires can start and spread
you will leave. Know different
in the area? very quickly. Leaving early is
routes to get out of the area –
the safest option for anyone
What will you take some may be closed if a fire
 in a high risk bushfire area.
with you? is already burning nearby.
Many people have died trying
What are you going to do to leave at the last minute. It’s up to you to decide where
 you will go on a fire risk day.
with your pets or livestock? If you care for children, older
Don’t wait and see.
Who else do you need people or those with a disability
 you must leave early.
to talk to about where
you are going?

Is there anyone outside



your neighbourhood that
you need to help or check
up on?

How will you stay informed



about warnings and
updates?

What will you do if there



is a fire in the area and
you cannot leave?

  5
Well-prepared property

Mature trees can help


shield against radiant heat
and embers. They must
be strategically located
and well managed.

Keep grass cut to


less than 10cm.

Remove flammable items


from decks and verandahs,
such as boxes, furniture
and doormats.

Keep gutters clear


Use pebbles or rocks of leaf litter.
in your garden
(not flammable mulch).

Do not have large


shrubs next to or
under windows.

6  
You can reduce the impact of fire on your home
by preparing your property before summer.

Keep woodpiles
away from house.

Store flammable
liquids away from
house.
Get rid of dry
grass, leaves,
twigs and
loose bark.

Prune lower branches of


shrubs to separate from
surface fuels underneath.

Prune shrubs
well away from
tree branches.

Cut back overhanging


branches – no branches
within 10m of buildings.

  7
Before summer
Pack an Emergency Practise packing your
 
Kit with essential items car so you know how
and keep it in a handy long it will take.
place.
Mark your main routes,

Scan important documents including back up routes

and photos onto a memory and petrol stations on
stick. hard copy maps. Check
cfa.vic.gov.au to see
Buy a battery-operated if your town or suburb

radio, powerful torch has a Community
and extra batteries. Information Guide map.
Save important contact Make arrangements Remember to prepare for
  your pets as well. Make
numbers in your mobile with anyone you plan
phone. Include family, to visit or stay with when sure your pet is wearing
friends and the you leave early. an identification tag and
VicEmergency Hotline. add the following items
Have a spare mobile Talk to neighbours or to your Emergency Kit:

phone that you keep fully nearby friends about ways › suitable transport
charged for emergencies. you can help each other. carriers or leash
Download the
VicEmergency app if you Don’t forget pets. Make › any medications

have a smartphone. sure pet containers are
in your Emergency Kit › dietary supplements
Set aside protective or packed in the car. If › food and drinking water

clothing (long-sleeved, you have horses, make
made from natural material sure you can move them
› a familiar item (toy,
such as cotton, and sturdy somewhere else if they
bed, treats) to help
footwear such as leather won’t be safe on your
reduce stress.
boots) for each property.
member of the family.

Put woollen blankets



in your car for protection
in case you get caught
on the road.

8  
Your Emergency Kit
Overnight bag with
change of clothes,
toiletries and sanitary
Important items supplies
› photo ID
› passport
› photos Adequate amount
› will of water and food
› jewellery
› insurance papers
› medical prescriptions Woollen
›U SB stick containing blankets
important files

Medicines and
first-aid kit

Contact information
› doctor
Mobile phone Battery-powered radio, › council
and charger torch and spare batteries › power company

  9
On fire risk days
Stay updated by using Last things to do
 before you leave:
more than one source of Don’t wait and see.
information so you will You should never wait
Add final items to your
know if a fire has started  and see what happens
Emergency Kit such as
near you. during a bushfire.
medications, prescriptions,
Move livestock to a safe mobile phone chargers, Leaving late means you
 pet food and water for will be on the road when
area and put your pets
in a safe place ready for everyone. conditions are at their
loading in the car. most dangerous or you
Pack the car, remembering may not be able to get

Pack personal items such your most important items out at all.
 such as wallet, cards,
as a change of clothing The longer you wait to
for each person and toys keys, banking, medical
and insurance documents leave, the greater the
for children and pets and risk to your life.
put them in the car. (these should be easily
accessible on a USB stick
If your car is behind an or in an expanding file).

electric garage door
or gate, take it out and Turn off the gas supply.

position it in the driveway
Block the downpipes and
facing out or on the side 
partially fill the gutters with
of the road.
water, only if you have time.
Remove any materials
 Make sure everyone is
that could burn easily 
wearing or has access to
from around your house,
protective clothing – long
on decks, verandahs
pants, long-sleeved shirts
and pergola areas. This
and sturdy shoes such as
includes mats, outdoor
leather boots (not sandals
furniture and wood piles.
or runners). Clothes should
be loose fitting and made
from natural fibres like
pure wool, heavy cotton
drill or denim. Do not
wear synthetics.

Tell people you are leaving.



Close all doors and

windows and lock doors.

Leave the front or access



gate open.

10  
Staying informed

During summer, it’s up Make it your habit to:

to you to stay informed. › check your FDR


every day during
summer
› know if it is a TFB day
› check for warnings,
especially on hot, dry
windy days.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Fire Danger Ratings tell you


how dangerous a fire would be
if one started. CODE RED
Check the VicEmergency
app for up-to-date Fire
Danger Rating and Total Fire
Total Fire Bans tell you what you
Ban information, as well as
can or can’t do on days where fire will
information, warnings and
spread rapidly and be out of control.
TOTAL FIRE BAN the locations of current fires.
Download the app free for
Warnings tell you that a fire has already started. Apple and Android devices.

Warnings and Updates ADVICE General information to keep you


up to date with developments.
Levels of warnings
There are three different levels of
warnings – Advice, Watch and Act WATCH AND ACT An emergency threatens
and Emergency Warning. Don’t you. Conditions are changing and you need to
expect warnings to be issued start taking action now to protect your health,
in any particular order. The first life and your family.
warning you hear about could
even be an Emergency Warning. EMERGENCY WARNING You are in imminent
danger and need to take action immediately.
You will be impacted by the emergency.

  11
Where to find warnings
and updates

Local News 1800 226 226 Online


Listen to ABC Local Radio, The VicEmergency Hotline  icEmergency website:
V
commercial and designated is a freecall. emergency.vic.gov.au
community radio stations
and watch Sky News TV.

Social Media 1800 555 677 131 450


Twitter @CFA_Updates and  allers who are deaf, hard of
C  you do not speak English,
If
facebook.com/cfavic hearing, or have a speech/ call the Translating and
communication impairment can Interpreting Service for
contact VicEmergency Hotline translated information.
via the National Relay Service.

IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES

You may receive an You may receive a call


SMS to your mobile phone. to your landline phone.

12  
Know your local emergency broadcaster
Emergency Alert is
These include: a system used by
emergency services to
›› ABC local radio ›› Plenty Valley FM
send voice messages
›› SKY NEWS TV ›› Radio Eastern FM 98.1 to landlines and
›› UGFM – Radio Murrindindi ›› Radio KLFM text messages to
›› Stereo 974 ›› Various commercial stations mobile phones about
across Victoria. emergencies. For more
information, go to
You can find a complete list at emv.vic.gov.au emergencyalert.gov.au

When to look for warnings


There are different situations when you might need to monitor and check for fire warnings and updates.

When What to do

It’s a hot, dry, windy day During summer, check regularly for updates. Fires can start
suddenly at any time.

It’s a fire risk day. You have left Ensure the route you have planned is safe. Stay up to date
early, or are preparing to do so. about fires in your area. Know when it is safe to return.

I can see or smell smoke in Check the VicEmergency website or the VicEmergency app
the air and I want to check to see if there are signs of a fire in your area.
what is going on.

I’m staying to defend It is important that you know at the earliest possible stage
on a fire risk day. if a fire is in your area so that you can implement your plan.
Once you are aware of a fire, continue to monitor updates.

Do not rely on an official warning to leave. Bushfires If you see flames or


can start quickly and threaten homes and lives within a column of smoke,
minutes. If you receive a warning, you must take it always call 000
seriously. Failure to act can be fatal. immediately.
Keep an eye on conditions outside – you may be
aware of a fire before the emergency services.

  13
During a fire

Bushfires are scary and stressful.


Understanding what to expect
and having a plan about what
you will do can help you cope.
What to expect How you might feel
The best way to
›› Embers and spot fires moving ›› Confused prepare yourself
ahead of the main fire ›› Disorientated mentally is to have a
›› Smoke, heat, noise and (don’t know where you are) written and practised
darkness ›› Unable to breathe properly plan that everyone
›› Lack of visibility, making it in your household
›› Scared understands and has
hard to know where the fire
›› Thirsty and hungry agreed to. This helps
is. Travel will be dangerous
›› Tired. reduce confusion
›› Fires approaching from any and time wasting.
direction (or two directions
at once)
Expect disruptions Your plan must include
to services contingencies in the
›› Burning embers landing event your plan fails.
around your property for Disruptions to telephone
many hours before or after service, internet and mains
the main fire front has passed power and water are common
›› Roads blocked by fallen during a fire or on a fire risk day.
branches, powerlines
and emergency vehicles. Don’t rely on having mains
power and water. If the power
goes out, you will not be able
to use:

›› Cordless phones
›› Remote control garage
doors, electric gates or
similar devices
›› Computer and the internet
›› Air conditioners and coolers
›› Electric pumps.

14  
Radiant heat
Radiant heat is the intense If you are caught outside in a
heat that radiates from a fire try to protect yourself by: The only sure way to
bushfire. It is like the heat you survive a bushfire and
feel from a campfire, but can ›› Covering up exposed skin avoid radiant heat is to
be up to 50,000 times stronger. ›› Being as far away as you leave early and be away
Radiant heat can cause can – distance is the best from the threat.
surfaces to catch alight, protection from radiant heat.
crack or break windows. ›› Getting behind a solid object
Radiant heat is the biggest ›› Staying away from windows
killer in a fire. The human body as radiant heat can pass
simply cannot adsorb large through glass.
amounts of radiant heat.

Radiant heat can be blocked


by a solid object such as a
concrete wall or building.

  15
Embers
›› Embers are burning twigs, ›› Embers can land on top
leaves and pieces of debris. of debris in your gutters
›› Embers are carried by the and set fire to your house.
wind and land ahead or away ›› Ember attack is the most
from the main fire in unburnt common way houses
areas and can start new fires catch fire during bushfires.
– these are called spot fires. ›› Ember attack can happen
›› Ember attack occurs when before, during and after
twigs and leaves are carried the bushfire.
by the wind and land on or
around a building.

16  
Wind Wind change In Victoria, hot, dry winds
typically come from the
Wind has a significant A change in wind direction north and north-west and
influence on the: is one of the most dangerous are often followed by a
influences on how a fire south-west wind change.
›› Speed that a fire spreads behaves.
›› Direction that a fire travels A change in wind direction
and the size of the fire front Many people who die in can change the size of the
bushfires get caught during fire front. This makes wind
›› Intensity of a fire, by
or after the wind change. a very dangerous factor
providing more oxygen
in a bushfire.
›› Likelihood of spotting.
Burning pieces of leaves,
twigs and bark (embers)
are carried ahead of the
fire by winds, causing new
fires to start. These are FIRE FIRE
known as spot fires. STARTING STARTING
POINT POINT
N
WIND DIRECTION

N
O
TI
EC
IR
D
D

SW
IN
W

  17
Survival options
If caught in a building ›› Move away from the areas of
house on fire, closing all the Only shelter in a room
If sheltering in a building doors behind you. that has a direct exit to
during a bushfire, make sure ›› Do not get trapped in a room the outside of the house.
you have two points of exit – with only one exit. If your house is on fire,
including one direct exit to the you will need to leave
›› Move outside to burnt ground
outside of the house – in every the house and move
where the fire has already
room used as a shelter. Most outside to burnt ground
passed as soon as you can.
bathrooms are unsuitable to if possible.
Staying inside a burning
shelter in. They typically have
house will almost certainly
only one door which can make
end in death
escape impossible if that exit is
blocked by flames and heat. ›› Wherever possible, try to put
a solid object between you 2) To increase your
Most bathrooms also have and the radiant heat from the chances of survival:
frosted windows that do not fire.
let you see outside – during ›› Stay in the car and tightly
›› Drink water to prevent
a bushfire it is important that close windows and doors.
dehydration.
you can look outside and know ›› Cover up with woollen
what is happening. You and If you are caught blankets and get down
others with you in the building in a car below window level – you
must be wearing protective need to protect yourself
clothing, long pants, long- Take the following actions if from radiant heat which
sleeved shirts and sturdy you come across smoke or will pass through glass.
shoes such as leather boots flames and are not able to turn
›› Drink water to prevent
(not sandals or runners). around and drive to safety.
dehydration.
Clothes should be loose fitting
and made from natural fibres 1) Position the car to
minimise exposure 3) As soon as you become
like pure wool, heavy cotton aware that the fire front
drill or denim. to radiant heat:
is close by:
›› Park away from dense
If your house catches fire ›› Shut all vents and turn
bush and long grass –
while you are inside, you off the air conditioning.
try to find a clearing.
will need to act quickly. ›› Turn off the engine.
Breaking glass, flames inside ›› If possible, park behind
or trouble breathing are signs a barrier such as a wall
you need to act quickly. or rocky outcrop.
›› The car should ideally face Sheltering in a car is
›› Close the door to the room towards the oncoming fire extremely dangerous
that is on fire. front. and can result in serious
›› Keep down low to minimise ›› Park off the roadway and injury or death. Always
breathing in toxic smoke from turn hazard lights on. Car plan to leave early to
the house fire. crashes are common in avoid this situation.
bushfires due to not being
able to see the road clearly.

18  
Leave Early
›› When the Fire Danger Rating
is Code Red, leaving early is
always the safest option.
›› Leave early destinations could
include homes of family and
friends who live outside the risk
area, a nearby town or other
built-up area.
Always the safest option

Community
fire refuge
Well Prepared
If leaving the high risk area is no longer
an option, there may be options close
to where you are that could protect you.
Well-prepared
neighbour’s home These include:
›› a well-prepared home (yours or your
neighbour's) that you can actively
defend on Severe and Extreme
Well-prepared
Private home Fire Danger Rating days only
bunker
›› private bushfire shelter (bunker)
that meets current regulations
›› designated community fire refuge.
Your safety is not guaranteed

Last Resort
Neighbourhood
Safer Place
River In situations where no other options
(Place of last resort) are available, taking shelter in one
of the below may protect you from
radiant heat:
Ploughed paddock
and reserve
›› Neighbourhood Safer Place
(Place of Last Resort)
Dam
›› stationary car in a clear area
Stationary
cars ›› ploughed paddock or reserve
Swimming
›› b ody of water (i.e. beach,
pool swimming pool, dam, river etc).
High risk of trauma, injury or death.

  19
Dial: 000 If you see smoke, flame or embers
VicEmergency Hotline
for fire warnings and updates: 1800 226 226
Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450
National Relay Service: 1800 555 677
cfa.vic.gov.au
delwp.vic.gov.au
emergency.vic.gov.au

Version 4
November 2016 cfa.vic.gov.au

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