Is Your Property Bushfire Ready? 5 Essential Steps for Victorians

Written By Get Fire Ready .

As the summer sun beats down and the landscape begins to dry out, the thought of bushfire season becomes a reality for many Victorians. While the threat is real, so is our ability to prepare. Taking proactive steps now can significantly improve your property's chances of surviving a bushfire and, most importantly, keep your family safe.

The key is to act early. Don't wait for a Total Fire Ban day to start planning. Here are 5 crucial ways to prepare your property for the bushfire season.

1. Reduce the Fuel Load on the Ground

Think of a bushfire like a hungry engine: it needs fuel to keep moving. The dry leaves, twigs, fallen bark, and long, dead grass around your property are that fuel. By removing them, you starve a potential fire of the material it needs to build intensity and spread.

What you can do:

  • Rake up leaves and debris: Regularly clear these from your garden beds, lawns, and around the base of trees.

  • Remove built-up bark and mulch: If you have thick layers of bark mulch, especially close to the house, consider replacing it with less flammable alternatives like gravel or pebbles.

  • Clean out gutters: Leaf litter in gutters is a major fire hazard, as embers can easily ignite it. Keep them clean throughout the season.

2. Prune and Remove Foliage Close to the House

Embers are the number one cause of houses catching fire during a bushfire. They can travel kilometres ahead of the main fire front, finding their way into gaps or igniting flammable materials against your home.

What you can do:

  • Create a 'non-combustible zone': For at least 10 metres immediately around your house (and more if you're on a slope), ensure there are no trees or shrubs touching or overhanging the structure.

  • Prune low-hanging branches: Prune trees and shrubs to remove branches within 2 metres of the ground. This prevents a ground fire from "laddering" up into the canopy.

  • Remove flammable plants: Swap out highly flammable plants like eucalyptus, conifers, and rosemary (close to the house) for fire-retardant species.

3. Keep Lawns Mowed and Gardens Tidy

A well-maintained garden is a key line of defence. Short, green grass is far less likely to carry a fire than long, dry grass.

What you can do:

  • Mow regularly: Keep your lawns short throughout the spring and summer months.

  • Water where possible: A hydrated garden is more resilient. While being water-wise, keeping key areas like lawns green can act as a firebreak.

  • Tidy garden sheds: Ensure woodpiles, compost heaps, and other combustible materials are stored well away from your home.

4. Get the VicEmergency App and Stay Informed

Knowledge is power, especially in an emergency. In a rapidly changing situation, having the right information at your fingertips is critical for making life-saving decisions.

What you can do:

  • Download the VicEmergency App: This is the official and most comprehensive source for emergency warnings, incidents, and advice in Victoria.

  • Set up a 'Watch Zone': The app allows you to set locations to monitor, so you'll receive instant notifications about incidents in your area.

  • Have a plan: Use the information from the app to trigger your Bushfire Survival Plan. Know when you will leave, and leave early.

5. Get Professional Help: Expertise Matters

Preparing a property can be a big, physically demanding job. You don't have to do it alone. Companies like Get Fire Ready specialise in helping Victorians prepare their properties to the highest standard.

Why seek professional help?

  • The Right Equipment: They have industrial-grade equipment to safely remove trees, clear thick undergrowth, and reduce fuel loads effectively.

  • Experience and Knowledge: Professionals understand how fire behaves and can identify risks you might miss. They know how to create effective defendable space.

  • Local Fire Regulations: They are up-to-date with local council regulations and the specific requirements of the Country Fire Authority (CFA). This ensures your preparation work is not only effective but also compliant.

Preparing for bushfire season shouldn’t be about living in fear, but instead living with confidence. By taking these five steps, you are actively protecting your home, your family, and your peace of mind. Start your preparation this weekend and your future self will thank you.

Stay safe, stay informed, and GET FIRE READY.

Get Fire Ready .