Bellarine emergency services are preparing for another band of warm weather following recent statewide fire outbreaks.
It has been a busy week for the region’s firefighters after extremely hot and windy conditions on 9 January resulted in fires breaking out across the state.
Barwon Heads Fire Brigade captain Pete Burnett was part of a Geelong area strike team deployed to Tallangatta near Albury to help fight a bushfire 15km west of Walwa.
The fire was still out of control and active in the area as of 11am on 15 January, with Mr Burnett and other firefighters working to strengthen containment lines and conduct controlled back burning.
“I think we’re in for a long fight and it’s going to be very difficult…and the fire up here will, I believe, be a concern for some time,” Mr Burnett said.
“This is not a sprint; it will be a marathon as we’re in the first two weeks of January, and we could have another two months of dangerous fire conditions ahead of us, so it’s a very challenging time.
“It’s a huge effort, so I’m incredibly proud of all the brigade members…and the team that I work with; we love being part of the fire services along with volunteering, protecting and serving our community.”
Bellarine firefighters have also responded to fires in locations such as Carlisle River and Mount Mercer, which ended up being 2245 hectares in size by the time it was brought under control on 13 January.
Something positive to come out of the recent fire events is the community’s support, with many brigades across the Bellarine receiving food, water and other items from members of the public.
“It is incredibly kind that they think of us at this time, of what is turning out to be a bushfire disaster,” Mr Burnett said.
“It was incredibly humbling and satisfying as a firefighter to know that we’re appreciated by the community. I think all the members really do appreciate the support that we get from the community, and it’s not just now but…throughout the year as our community is incredibly supportive.”
Bellarine Group of Brigades group officer Andy Longmore advised people across the peninsula to maintain their properties as the region prepares for warmer weather next week.
“It’s an issue for everybody now, particularly on the Bellarine with grass fires as we don’t have a lot of forests, so grass fire is our main risk,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of rain, which has let the grass grow like crazy, and, up until recently, the grass has been quite green, but now it’s dried up, so it’ll burn given a bit of heat and a bit of wind.”
