General News
18 March, 2025
Fire ready guides for high-risk areas
The Wimmera Emergency Management Team and West Wimmera Shire Council have prepared fire ready guides to help residents in high-risk bushfire areas stay prepared.
The guides are now available for Apsley, Dergholm, Edenhope, Goroke, and Harrow.
West Wimmera Shire Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout emphasized the importance of planning ahead.
“The recent fires in our municipality have reinforced just how important it is for us all to plan and prepare for days when hot, dry and windy conditions create a fire risk,” he said.
“As we know, fires can happen anywhere at any time, and we all need to be prepared.”
The Fire Ready Guides include essential tools such as a Bushfire Survival Plan template, a fire map of the local area, emergency contact information, and an overview of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System.
Mr Bezuidenhout encouraged residents to use the Wimmera 72 website, which provides additional emergency planning resources.
“The website includes important information and links to help us plan and prepare for all types of emergencies,” he said.
Residents can pick up copies of the Fire Ready Guides at the Edenhope and Kaniva municipal offices and key locations within each community.
They can also access digital versions on the Wimmera 72 and West Wimmera Shire Council websites.
For further inquiries, residents can contact the Wimmera Emergency Management Team at wemt@hrcc.vic.gov.au.