In late February, a series of deliberately lit fires swept through the northeast after what had been a quiet, uneventful summer to that point in that area.
In total, there were six fires burning in difficult terrain through the Boho Valley, including one major blaze that would test firefighters for weeks.
Former Boho Fire Brigade captain Gary Washusen said the community’s commitment to property preparation, even late in the fire season, played a critical role in assisting first responders.
“It’s easy to think the risk has passed by the end of summer, but in regional Victoria there’s always the potential for fire,” Mr Washusen said.
Describing the challenge, Mr Washusen said the scale and location of the blazes made the firefight particularly difficult.
“When we arrived on scene in the pitch black of night, we knew we were in a bit of strife. Two separate fires were burning in steep, inaccessible terrain,” he said.
“One was heading uphill into private property, and the other was just half a kilometre away.”
Reinforcements arrived from CFA brigades across the broader district, joined by Forest Fire Management Victoria with bulldozers, excavators and aerial support.
Together, they held the line.
Overall, the fires burnt more than 1600 hectares through the Boho Valley.
Notably, no lives were lost, no homes were destroyed, and no serious injuries were recorded, an outcome Gary credits to preparation, cooperation and community spirit.
“It’s a community thing, not just a fire brigade thing. People banded together. Our community has been very well-prepared and should be proud they’ve taken that on board,” he said.
“Prepare for the worst. Being fire ready and having a safety plan in place is critical, and we know it works.
“We’re urging all Victorians to use the lead-up to the Fire Danger Period to get prepared, clear gutters, reduce fuel loads, check pumps and equipment, and review or create a bushfire survival plan.”
CFA is holding a ‘Get Fire Ready’ initiative in October, encouraging all Victorians to engage with to seek out information this coming fire season and to connect with their local CFA brigade.
Find out more by visiting tinyurl.com/4kt76mnj
Take the following actions to prepare for bushfire season.
- Move your winter woodpile away from the house or sheds.
- Prune tree branches so they are not overhanging the roof or touching walls.
- Clear your gutters.
- Keep grass shorter than 10cm.
- Remove leaves and twigs from around your property.
- Test anything that is part of your fire plan such as sprinklers, pumps and generators.
- The quickest and easiest way to register your burn-off is by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify, or call Triple Zero Victoria on 1800 688 511.
- Make sure your household has a bushfire plan. Find out how at cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan
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