With the threat of bushfires around Oz at the moment, I was wondering what the risks were at Greens for grass or bush fires (I have never been there so have no idea of the terrain other than what I can see in post photo's).
Is there much danger in that area, and if so what would you do if a fire broke out and your exit could not be made?
Park as close to the lake as possible? If it got close go into the water? Just wondering what the situation is there and if there is a posted Fire Evacuation Plan ????
Thanks for your opinions those that responded, I was in a similar situation at a lake and was told to head for the water and when in the water if possible to get behind an object in the water such as a boat or raft to deflect radiated heat as the brush and trees were close to the water.
We were also told to wet a towel and drape over our heads..
-- Edited by Vic41 on Saturday 28th of December 2013 04:07:43 PM
Good question Vic & the answers I believe are suitable in most situations of similar areas. If there is water around move as near as possible and wet everything down & if the fire gets close, get in the water.
The only answer I do not agree with is Billeeeee, I for one have no clue as to why a such a stupid reply like that would be posted against a reasonable question.
It is fire season & already this year there have been lives lost & lots of possessions gone. Everybody should have some idea of what they are going to do if a fire is in close proximity to you.
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Woolly,
Already live in Paradise but would like to see much more of this great country.
Very good question and one which all caravaners should think about. I was in country vic. when the last fires came through and it scared the hell out of me. Have a plan is the only way to go because things can happen so quickly. Good on you for bringing this to peoples attention and in my opinion it is not a subject to be joked about.
A fire can be a problem at Greens for sure as heaps of dry grass around and away from the water edge. I always and will always get near the water and set up camp for fire and other reasons. I am sure if a fire was to threaten Greens at any time those camped up under the tree line or away from the water edge would pack up and leave or move down close to the water.
If the local fire authorities came out and said it would be better to leave the area I for one would take their advice. The Corop CFA are just down the road and usually know how many are at Greens so would let all there know very quickly I reckon.
I have an Ap on my phone that warns me of any danger within a 50km radius and I have had warnings before, elsewhere. You have to have some phone cover for that to work though.
We have a fire warning for today where I am so have only just, 1 hour ago, got the hose and other water supplies ready, just part of my fire plan. I have long grass on crown land at the back of me so have to be ready as fire doesn't care who or what is in it's path.
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Good luck Doug... any chance of getting that grass mowed short? Long grass (or crops) burns so fast with high flames, its as terrifying as a forest fire, but its over quicker.
Stay safe folks, and give serious consideration to "where could we go?" in a spot where there's only 1 road out.
Our town was cut off for over 10 days last summer, we were safe, but needed to make sure we had plenty of food etc, the local (small) supermarket ran out of a lot of stuff and there was no incoming supply-trucks.
Here at Girgarre (near to Greens Lake) we heard the firies being called out in the middle of the night. So must have been a fire nearby. We start heading north tomorrow & will stay alert to fire danger as we travel.
Sounds like you pretty well have it covered at home Doug and as you say Corop CFA are not far away and would be monitoring the situation, although people have to be alert and take some responsibility for their own safety etc.
(Like your new modified avatar, especially the Nullabor Nymph? I hope you gave her a lift to get more fuel.....)
Hope all of you in fire prone areas keep safe and listen to the ABC or local radio for the area for updates etc.
-- Edited by Vic41 on Saturday 28th of December 2013 11:51:36 AM
I was looking at the fire danger at Greens while I was there, As there has been a fast moving grass fire to the west in Vic over the last few days,
I also live in the Dandenongs, Which is a high fire risk area, I was also fighting the fires in Gippy in 1983,
The best you can do at Greens is park down by the Lake, Pull all Canvas, Tents, Awnings Down, It catches fire from airborne embers, They do travel a long way,
If the fire is actually coming directly towards you,
Back burn it, At least 100 yards away from the group, There is enough people there to keep the fire out on your side, but let the fire back burn towards the fire,
Preferably if you have any CFA people amongst you, To Organise lighting the back burn,
This is a final solution only,
There is enough people there to actually form a bucket brigade and wet a strip of grass as a fire break, On the treeline at the back of the area,
You can get a four wheel drive to tow a flat sheet of some thing, what ever is available to flatten all the short grass, It will slow the fire down to a speed that is manageable by people on foot,
You have a very wide empty dirt section between the tree line and the water, So That should serve as a very effective fire break there any way,
Just keep lots of full water buckets handy just in case, A bucket of water thrown quickly will suppress any fire from growing,
I was looking at the fire danger at Greens while I was there, As there has been a fast moving grass fire to the west in Vic over the last few days,
I also live in the Dandenongs, Which is a high fire risk area, I was also fighting the fires in Gippy in 1983,
The best you can do at Greens is park down by the Lake, Pull all Canvas, Tents, Awnings Down, It catches fire from airborne embers, They do travel a long way,
If the fire is actually coming directly towards you,
Back burn it, At least 100 yards away from the group, There is enough people there to keep the fire out on your side, but let the fire back burn towards the fire,
Preferably if you have any CFA people amongst you, To Organise lighting the back burn,
This is a final solution only,
There is enough people there to actually form a bucket brigade and wet a strip of grass as a fire break, On the treeline at the back of the area,
You can get a four wheel drive to tow a flat sheet of some thing, what ever is available to flatten all the short grass, It will slow the fire down to a speed that is manageable by people on foot,
You have a very wide empty dirt section between the tree line and the water, So That should serve as a very effective fire break there any way,
Just keep lots of full water buckets handy just in case, A bucket of water thrown quickly will suppress any fire from growing,
Great advice B2, great that we have so many talented members among us
They send a mobile phone message in NSW from the towers nearby if an area is to be impacted by fire so I imagine the same in Victoria. Keep your eye out though and don't depend on it.
-- Edited by jetj on Saturday 28th of December 2013 05:24:40 PM
Someone must have complained to Cindy because Billeeeeeeeeeeeeee ,s post has been deleted.I can,t understand why he does things like that.The fire precaution hints seem to be good, though. Bill
Someone must have complained to Cindy because Billeeeeeeeeeeeeee ,s post has been deleted.I can,t understand why he does things like that.The fire precaution hints seem to be good, though. Bill
I think the message on the phone only works if you are registered for that area as I have never had a message on my phone but I keep an eye on the local fire app and check every morning and usually during the day especially on high fire days.
I pick my spots and never venture into scrub etc if there is a risk of a high fire danger day.
At Greens it would be easy to protect your rig especially with a group.
If in high danger and a fire is heading your way just pre burn an area where you can control it and then when burnt site your rig in that area as far as you can from the fire front. Pack everything up and then get as much water as you can in containers so you can use in a hurry if needed.
Shut all openings and stay inside if a front passes over you and then get out after the front has passed and ensure there is no fire on your rig.
Always head towards a scrub fire and run through it as usually it is only a short distance through it to a burnt area. Never run in front as all you are doing is using your energy and perhaps take you into a more dangerous area as you should have already been in the best location before the fire hit.
Never hide in a tank or trough as you could just boil to death.
If a river or lake is handy get into the water and try and take something with you to cover your head and give an air pocket to allow you to breath for a while as the fire passes over you. Even a fallen log etc may protect you from radiant heat as this is what will kill you the quickest.
Be careful but don't be paranoid as it will destroy your travels.
Regards
Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
Always watch out for burned trees, they call them widow makers for a reason, they fall. A wet sack or towel for putting out embers or a branch off a tree will also do that and is what the fire fighters used to use before hoses and backpacks. A rake to push the fuel into the fire to make a fire break also helps.
A backburn needs a lot of care and a bit of knowledge about what you are doing, wind direction etc. They can get away from the experts. My thoughts for what it's worth.
Brian they send a message to the tower near the fire which I believe goes to all mobiles connecting to the tower at the time. Only a brand new thing in NSW and done for the October fires. Problem is that others not directly in the exact area connect to the same tower and caused some confused phone calls to fire control.
-- Edited by jetj on Sunday 29th of December 2013 12:25:25 PM
A backburn needs a lot of care and a bit of knowledge about what you are doing, wind direction etc. They can get away from the experts. My thoughts for what it's worth.
I agree about the back burning, I would be consulting with the local fire authorities about it and asking them if they could do it or if it is allowable first, you wouldn't want to end up in court for starting a fire that got out of control and possible loss of life or property.
