What Is A Community Fireguard Group?
A fireguard group is a group of residents who wish to maximise their knowledge of, preparedness for and safety during a bushfire.
Christmas Hills has a number of fireguard groups, each one formed around a locality such as a stretch of road.
The Fire Brigade supports the establishment of community fireguard groups but is not directly involved with their operation. There are over 180 such groups in the Yarra area and we receive support from a facilitator employed by the CFA.
Sharing Knowledge
Knowledge about fire behaviour is essential for proper planning of you actions before, during and after a fire and community fireguard groups provide a forum for the sharing of such information.
A good understanding of the role of residents during the fire season and on bad days is essential.
Action By Fireguard Groups
Some of the activities that have been carried out or planned by fireguard groups:
- visiting members properties to help 'audit' pre-season preparations.
- getting together to help with raking, burning and other work.
- comparing and discussing each others' bushfire plans.
- discussing the choices available to residents. Do you 'stay or go' during a fire?
- conducting information sessions such as the St John Ambulance seminar on personal survival in fires. This session emphasised the effects of heat stress on behaviour.
The Role Of The Individual
The community fireguard groups provide a structure within which individual households can be better prepared to take on their responsibilities during the fire season.
If you want more information about the Fireguard scheme contact the Brigade.
The Fire Brigade in the Community | Christmas Hills Fire Brigade