Bushfire
Fire danger period
The Banyule fire danger period may be declared as early as October and typically lasts until the danger lessens, which could be as late as May. The fire danger period is declared by CFA based on the conditions of the area.
Fire warnings
Total fire bans are declared by district by the CFA. Banyule is located in the Central District. To check the latest fire danger ratings, total fire ban declarations and fire restrictions go to CFA: Central District.
You are not permitted to light a fire in the open air on days of Total Fire Ban. Some exemptions do apply, but you require a permit. Contact your CFA district office or CFA headquarters on 9262 8444 for more information.
Find out what you can and cannot do on a total fire ban day
High-risk areas
The greatest threat of bushfire is from the north and north-west where fire may enter Banyule from the Shire of Nillumbik and/or the City of Whittlesea.
Greensborough Apollo Parkways is at the southern-most part of the Plenty Gorge. This area has been assessed as having a VERY HIGH to EXTREME bushfire risk by the Victorian Fire Risk Register.
Greensborough residents should refer to the Greensborough Apollo Parkways Community Information Guide or contact the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226.
Get fire ready: your preparation
The CFA Fire Ready Kit helps you to understand your risk, prepare your property and develop a bushfire plan.
Prepare a household emergency plan
VicEmergency Hotline
Call 1800 226 226 or 1800 555 667 (National Relay Service) for more information about:
- major bushfires (during and after)
- total fire bans and fire restrictions
- key bushfire preparation and planning
- program, publication and services available
- bushfire safety messages
- current fire danger ratings
- community meetings.
Understanding fire danger rating
Be familiar with CFA's colour-coded fire danger ratings
Before: preparing for bushfire
It is important that you understand bushfire risk in your area and plan.
- Assess your property risk level: use various Household Bushfire Self-Assessment tools found online.
- Understand the daily Fire Danger Ratings so you understand bushfire activity.
- Write a plan: use the Fire Ready Kit noted earlier, including the Leaving Early Bushfire Survival Planning template.
- Attend a local CFA Fire Ready Victoria briefing.
- Prepare your property and household, including family, livestock and pets.
- Decide what important items you want to take with you if you need to evacuate.
- Check you have adequate building and contents insurance.
- Get to know your neighbours and find out who may need extra help.
During: what you can do during a bushfire
Leaving early is always the safest option
During a bushfire, your home emergency plan is put into play. You should:
- stay informed and monitor conditions
- be prepared to evacuate
- follow advice provided by emergency services.
If you cannot evacuate, take shelter in a well prepared home or move further away from the fire threat, e.g. further into the urban area.
If you have time, check your neighbours.
If you are suffering smoke exposure, seek medical advice or contact Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
Contact a family member or friend and tell them what you plan to do now.
After: recovering from bushfire
- Listen to ABC radio or other emergency broadcasters for updates.
- Contact your insurance company immediately and take photos of damage.
- Be aware of road hazards, such as debris and damaged roads, bridges or power lines.
- Find out about relief and recovery assistance and information from Council on 9490 4222, the Victorian Bushfire Emergency Information line on 1800 226 226 or the Victorian Emergency Recovery Information line on 1300 799 232.
- Be aware that burnt buildings can have hazards such as asbestos, ashes (especially from treated timbers) and damaged electrical wiring. Follow the advice of the Department of Health and Human Services: After a fire: returning home safely.
- Apply for financial assistance by calling the Victorian Emergency Recovery Information Line on 1300 799 232.
- Check on your neighbours and contact family and friends to let them know you are ok.
Resources
Radio & TV
ABC 774 AM, 3AW 693 AM, Plenty Valley FM 88.6 FM and Sky News TV.
Visit Emergency Management Victoria for a full list of broadcasters.
Online and social media
Telephone
In extreme situations your landline or mobile phone may be used to deliver a critical warning. For more information visit the Emergency Alert website.
VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226 or 1800 555 667 (National Relay Service).
Contact us
If you need more information about your emergency plan, please contact our Emergency Management Team on 9490 4222 or enquiries@banyule.vic.gov.au