Forest Fire Management Victoria is getting ready for bushfire season by enlisting crews to cut grass around the dense bush of Rushworth.
In large scale works, crews will take to Rushworth, St Arnaud, Heathcote and along the river frontage from Cohuna to Echuca, slashing a total of 2000 hectares across 700 locations in the coming weeks.
FFMVic Murray Goldfields District acting manager Andrew Koren said the grass slashing works were timed to align with anticipated grass growth.
“One of the ways that we reduce bushfire risk in the lead-up to summer is by managing long dry grass by slashing, which complements other activities such as planned burning, mulching and spraying,” Mr Koren said.
“If it’s done too early, it will encourage regrowth and require follow-up treatment.”
While FFMVic works on fire prevention throughout the year, Mr Koren stressed that lowering fire risk was everyone’s job.
He urged residents to clear away potential fire fuel such as grass, leaves, bark and fallen branches to reduce the intensity and spread of any potential fires.
“We encourage residents to cut long grass remove leaves and twigs from the yard and clear space around the house of all flammable materials,” Mr Koren said.
For more information on how to prepare your property for bushfire, visit: cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/before-and-during-a-fire/fire-ready-kit
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