It is important for everyone to be Fire Ready
Victoria is one of the most fire-prone regions in the world, so we all need to be careful with fire, especially during the warmer months. On designated Total Fire Ban days there are specific activities that are not allowed, and others that are only allowed with strict guidelines.
Remember: The Mornington Peninsula area is in the CFA’s Central Fire Ban District
What you need to know:
The Mornington Peninsula is generally a High-Risk Fire Area; meaning that visitors, as well as residents, have a responsibility to make themselves aware of appropriate Fire Ready behaviour. Proper planning is the key and there is a lot of information available to assist.
Summer fire restrictions and weather events may affect tours and activities. Visitors should check local weather conditions and the Fire Danger Ratings before starting the day so they are prepared. It is critical to make sure that you have access to UP TO DATE and ACCURATE information whilst on your travels, and the best source of this is the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
The easiest way to do this is to visit the CFA website HERE>>
What can I do on Total Fire Ban & Code Red Days?
On Total Fire Ban and Code Red days, you need to make sure that you avoid travelling into areas that have limited access roads (such as Point Nepean or Cape Schanck) or those with roads lined with trees (such as many areas of Red Hill and Main Ridge). There are restrictions as to the sort of activities that you are able to do on Total Fire Ban days.
Check What You Can And Can’t Do On Days Of Total Fire Ban HERE>>
Attraction closures:
Some national parks and picnic areas are regularly closed on a day of a Total Fire Ban or forecast Severe Fire Danger Rating. You may not receive a personal warning or see signs indicating that the park or forest is closed. Bushfire safety is an individual responsibility. Anyone entering parks and forests during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions and be alert to signs of fire such as smoke or emergency vehicles. On days of Extreme and Severe Fire Danger Ratings (that may or may not be a designated day of Total Fire Ban), you should reconsider plans to visit parks and forests, and if you are already within a park or forest the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day.
For more information on National Park Closures HERE>>
Some tourist attractions in bushland may also close. Make sure to check their social media or websites before travelling.
Total Fire Ban and Code Red days are designated from midnight to midnight so this may mean that you need to be absent from the high-risk areas ALL day and into the evening.
Alternative Activities:
Some ideas of safer locations or activities to do on the Mornington Peninsula might include:
* Cinema
* Stay at home and watch DVDs (if your property is in a safe location)
* Shopping centres or main streets of towns that are fairly built up – Frankston, Mornington, Hastings, Rosebud
Where can I get information if there is a fire?
Up-to-date and accurate information can be obtained from the following:
* CFA website – up-to-the-minute information about incidents and advice for each fire www.cfa.vic.gov.au
* CFA Twitter feed - www.twitter.com/cfa_updates
* CFA Facebook - www.facebook.com/cfavic
* VicEmergency App - search 'VicEmergency' in your Playstore or i-tunes store or go to the directory page on www.cfa.vic.gov.au The app gives you live updates and location-specific information.
* Victorian Bushfire Information Line (also has information about controlled burns on their system) PHONE 1800 240 667
* Radio: ABC radio 774AM (as well as all major commercial stations) have regular fire warning announcements in place
* TV: nightly weather
* Internet: Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au/vic
* Accredited Visitor Information Centres have Fire Ready information brochures for visitors.
Need more information?
To find out what each Fire Danger Rating means, click HERE>>
If you are travelling away from the Mornington Peninsula it is important to know which Fire District you are travelling in. You can find out HERE>>