DUMBALK Fire Brigade captain Dallas Campbell urges people to prepare for summer by having an up-to-date fire plan and cleaning up around their houses and sheds to reduce fuel loads.

“Make sure you’ve got your address clearly marked on the gate at the front so we can find you quickly, and have access to water if possible,” he said.

Having a safe place to go in the event of an emergency and ensuring your property allows access for fire trucks, which are larger than in the past, are important considerations.

Remember to ensure smoke alarm batteries are replaced if necessary. 

Dumbalk Fire Brigade has already been called into service well ahead of summer, helping extinguish an out-of-control burn-off in Mirboo North.

Dallas urges people to be mindful of conditions when considering lighting a burn off, taking into account factors such as wind and warmer weather.

People are encouraged to register their burns, ensuring brigades aren’t called out needlessly.

Fuel load around Mirboo North and the vulnerability of trees in the area following February’s storm are of concern to the region’s fire brigades.

As with other brigades, Dumbalk members have been refreshing their skills for the fire season ahead, with burnover drills and hazardous tree training. Drafting and use of Class A Foam are other important training focuses.

New brigade members are always welcome, whether for firefighting or other roles.

Non-firefighting opportunities include Fire Extinguisher Maintenance, visiting businesses and servicing their fire extinguishers, a major fundraising stream for Dumbalk Fire Brigade.

Learning to be a radio operator at a Local Command Facility set up in response to big incidents is another possibility, along with administrative and other duties at the fire station.