A new The Barossa Council-led initiative is encouraging the local community to be proactive by preparing properties early for the fire danger season ahead.
Council’s Community Safety Officer, John Armstrong said the Step Ahead: Fire Season Ready program, which launched this month, is a free service for both property owners and tenants.
“Prevention and early preparation is the key,” said Mr Armstrong.
“Our team will help you spot risks and identify fire hazards you may not even be aware of. We’ll walk around your property with you, answer questions, and offer clear, practical advice to reduce the dangers before the fire season is upon us.”
Nuriootpa CFS Deputy Group Officer for the Northern Barossa Group, Shaun Falkenberg said The Barossa Council’s program could very well save lives.
“If somebody offers you helpful advice like Council has, you should grab it with both hands,” said Mr Falkenberg.
“The onus is on everyone to look after their own patch, to clear overgrown grass and remove any potential fire risks and this new initiative encourages landholders to prepare early which will certainly reduce carnage later on when the fire season truly hits.
In his 35 years as a CFS volunteer, Mr Falkenberg has seen first-hand how far embers can fly between properties during bushfires, leaving behind a trail of destruction and devastation.
“When we do get those bad days, it’s too late, so you need to prepare your property now and, while you are at it, prepare your Bushfire Action Plan – it’s essential for your safety and survival,” he said.
