THE Country Fire Authority have launched Get Fire Ready, a Victorian initiative to help communities prepare ahead of another potentially challenging fire season.
The initiative with over 630 fire brigades involved will run through October until the start of November.
Main Ridge was chosen for the launch due to the area not experiencing a major fire season since 1997, meaning there will be an added risk if the local community isn’t prepared.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the Get Fire Ready is about making sure Victorians understand their fire risk, to have a plan and know where to get emergency information.
“Preparedness saves lives. By getting fire ready now, communities can reduce their risk and respond quickly if fire threatens,” said Heffernan.
“I encourage the community to attend their local Get Fire Ready event, chat to your local fire safety experts about the risk in your area and take the steps to prepare ahead of the fire season.”
The Mornington Peninsula is classified as a risk-risk bushfire area and falls within the CFA’s central Fire Ban District.
Heffernan reinforced that preparedness does not need to be complicated.
“Cleaning gutters, mowing lawns, trimming branches, knowing where you’ll go if a fire breaks out and setting a watch zone in the VicEmergency app can make a real difference in an emergency,” said Heffernan.
Main Ride Fire Brigade offer CFA’s Property Advice Visit Service to assist the local community the fire preparedness at their home.
They also have an electronic notice board they utilise for various safety messages and have done community safety letter drops.
Main Ridge Captain Matt Gallace said the 1997 bushfires were the reason he joined the CFA.
Gallace says preparation is vital on the Mornington Peninsula so emergency services can get to every house.
“Our biggest fire risks are Arthurs Seat which is highly residential, the national park and we have three major tourism attractions which could see thousands of tourists in one day.”
“We really need our message to reach the tourists too. They need to understand the risks, they need to avoid the area on severe fire risk days and they need to remain alert if visiting over summer.”
“We had a successful Get Fire Ready event last year and will run once again this year in partnership with the Red Hill Fire Brigade.”
To find out when your local brigade is taking part, visit: cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready.
First published in the Frankston Times – 6 October 2026