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25.01.2022 CLONBINANE CFA HONOUR BOARD There was a revealing of an Honour Board at the Clonbinane CFA Annual General Meeting last Sunday. Those that have served in on the Brigade Management Team have been recognised for their contribution. ... Special thanks to Ross Hibbert for his hard work and dedication to this project. The board will hang in the meeting room.

25.01.2022 Stay safe everyone.

24.01.2022 Clonbinane Rural Fire Brigade July Newsletter 2020 Safe Winter Driving... Our district roads are particularly dangerous now with frosty mornings more likely and cold nights that bring black ice to the roads. Wildlife crossing especially roos, wombats and deer are the hazards of country living and driving. With a good supply of rain, some roads have put holes. Be wary after heavy rain that mud and stone may have been washed onto the road from poorly maintained driveways. One section of road that comes to mind and is on the Wandong-Broadford road between Wandong and Clonbinane Road. Be wary of school bus times. Narrow sections like the Spur Road hill require you to keep hard left. Buses and fire trucks also use the sharp Ryans Road right-angle corner. Slow down and be prepared to stop to give way to heavy vehicles. Logging trucks have commenced to use Spur Road again. They operate at all hours. Be wary when approaching Walls Crossing when you come from the Hume Freeway. Slow to a stop at Doctors Ck. Rd. to have a good look to your left before entering Spur Road. If you encounter a log truck in front of you as it slowly goes down the Spur then you will need to be have patience. The single continuous white line means that no overtaking is permitted. Allow extra time if you need to get to Wandong to catch a train or if you are dropping the kids off at school. Particularly dangerous locations for wildlife crossing are Saunders Road towards Kilmore and Spur Road between the Sunday Creek and Ryans Road. Not only does hitting a roo or wombat damage your vehicle, it puts you at risk of being seriously injured. Not to mention the suffering the animals receive. The only way to reduce the risk is to reduce your speed in these areas. After sunset, a speed of 60 KPH is recommended on these roads. A lower gives you the stopping distance that you might require. Brake heavily if you are approaching an animal on the road, do not try to swerve as the risk of loss of control has a higher consequence. Also, keep in mind that kangaroos are mob animals, so lookout for the others that follow the first roo that ventures out. The use of cruise control in wet conditions is dangerous. A particularly dangerous spot is on the Hume Freeway between Clonbinane and Wandong. We receive many reports of cars rolled or off the road because the car has lost traction whilst the cruise control is engaged in wet or icy conditions. By the time the driver reacts to deactivate the cruise control or brake, it is too late. Please contact the brigade if you require any information or check out the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au The brigade normally meets for training each Sunday at 10am at the Ryans Road fire station, however due to Covid-19 restrictions the brigade is operational for emergency call outs only. Training and meetings are restricted to on-line only. Cheers and drive safely John Mahoney Captain

22.01.2022 Every time you use your dryer check the filter and clean it before you start drying.

20.01.2022 TWO MORE SLEEPS Clonbinane CFA has organised for Santa to be on board for a Santa run through the streets of Waterford Park on Sunday night 20 December at 6PM. Due to the current Covid-19 situation, we are unable to put on the sausage sizzle or hose games for the kids this year. We look forward to seeing all the kids standing outside their homes and waving to Santa. This is a Covid safe event.

20.01.2022 Well done Kilmore CFA.

19.01.2022 From every corner of the state, we are tens of thousands of Victorians dedicated to protecting lives and property. We celebrate our proud history, and our str...ong future. Our community. Our CFA. Visit: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about

19.01.2022 Country Fire Authority Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said that as one of the world’s most bushfire-prone areas, even a normal fire season in Victoria presents a high risk to communities. We have to stay home as much as possible at the moment due to COVID-19 restrictions why not use the time to clean up your property and make a plan on how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this summer? he said. Preparing your property means you minimise the chance of property da...mage during a fire, even if you plan to leave early. You also need to plan and prepare for your safety so that you, and everyone in your household, know what to do on hot, dry, windy days when fires will start and spread quickly.

16.01.2022 Merry Christmas everyone - From Clonbinane Rural Fire Brigade

16.01.2022 THANK YOU Thanks Santa and his helpers for visiting Clonbinane CFA and for giving out lollies for the kids of Waterford Park. Hopefully we will see you again next year Santa.... Santa's last words before he left were- "Merry Christmas Clonbinane, wishing you all a safe and happy time over the next week".

16.01.2022 A message coming out of the Dandenong Ranges to adjust your clocks for daylight savings time. We are moving forward this weekend.

15.01.2022 A message from our friends out at Wesburn/Millgrove fire brigade.

15.01.2022 SEVEN MORE SLEEPS 2020 Clonbinane CFA Santa Run ONLY 7 MORE SLEEPS UNTIL SANTA ARRIVES IN CLONBINANE... Clonbinane CFA has organised for Santa to be on board for a Santa run through the streets of Waterford Park on Sunday night 20 December at 6PM. Due to the current Covid-19 situation, we are unable to put on the sausage sizzle or hose games for the kids this year. We look forward to seeing all the kids standing outside their homes and waving to Santa. This is a Covid safe event.

13.01.2022 A local reminder for Waterford Park. When the Sunday Creek is flooded travel via Spur Road.

12.01.2022 Fire in the Blood- Our Community , our CFA.

11.01.2022 It is Fire Action Week. All looks great at the moment, however there is a lot of hours required to get your property ready for the fire season. Get on top of keeping the grass height down. Work on a schedule for your clean up jobs. Clean gutters, burning off, moving firewood, slashing, raking and mowing.... Good time to do any burning off that is required but pick a day that is safer, i.e. no wind, higher humidity. Remember to register your burn off by phoning 1800 668 511. Let your neighbours know, maybe you give can each other a hand? Consider offering your help to the elderly in our community, they will appreciate that you wish to help. Keep trees, overhanging branches and shrubs to a minimum near your home, and keep grass shorter than 10cm. Move your winter wood pile away from the house and clear debris from gutters. A big clean-up before the fire season can make a huge difference to the safety and survival of your home in a bushfire. You also need to plan and prepare for your personal safety by understanding your risk and having a fire plan. Plan for all situations by talking to your family and friends about your triggers to leave, where you’ll go and how you’ll get there. Get into the habit of checking Fire Danger Ratings on the VicEmergency website or app daily to understand the fire risk in your area. It’s up to all of us to stay informed by using more than one source of information, understanding the three levels of warnings, what they mean and what you should do. In the lead-up to summer, CFA will be running Fire Safety Essentials online sessions to help Victorians understand their fire risk and help you prepare. Check What’s On in your area. Visit cfa.vic.gov.au for more information about bushfire planning and preparation, and about leaving early. This Fire Action Week, follow some simple planning and preparation tips to make sure you're ready for the upcoming bushfire season: Prepare your property; it can minimise property damage even if you leave early: Move furniture, woodpiles and mulch away from windows, decks and eaves Prune tree branches so they are not overhanging the roof or touching walls Keep grass shorter than 10cm. Regularly remove leaves and twigs Don’t have plants higher than 10cm in front of windows or glass doors Before you leave, make sure you remove all flammable items from around your home. Houses have been lost from things as simple as embers landing on a doormat. Check that your home and contents insurance is current and includes a level of cover in line with current building standards and regulations. Please note: Restrictions are in place across Victoria due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To find out more about what restrictions apply in your area including provision for those who’ve received a Fire Prevention Notice visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au. Share

11.01.2022 BEWARE OF THE RATS WHILST YOUR CAR IS GETTING MINIMAL USE Check the engine bay regularly to ensure the rodents have not found a new home. Apart from damage to wiring and components, they may be the root cause of a car fire.

11.01.2022 Rain coming Sunday Creek ford at Waterford Park has water flow that is fast and furious after heavy rain. Don't wait for the barriers or signs, if water is coming over the top then just don't go. A few extra minutes on the long way around on your journey may save your vehicle & your life. The risk is just not worth it. ... Going to Wandong? Beware of water and rubble on the road after heavy rain. Stay safe

10.01.2022 If you are driving up the Hume Fwy or Northern Hwy next week and you see smoke or smell smoke, then it maybe coming from this planned burn at Puckapunyal.

09.01.2022 CELEBRATING R U OK DAY As we weather the storm of COVID-19 together as a community, we mustn’t forget to look after ourselves and each other - just as we ...do each and every bushfire season. It’s okay not to be okay - feeling anxious and stressed (a little or a lot) is a pretty normal response to the challenges we’re all facing at the moment. Checking in with yourself and those around you by asking ‘Are you okay?’ is an easy way to start a conversation that says you care, and that could save a life. ASK LISTEN ENCOURAGE ACTION CHECK-IN Talking about feelings isn’t easy for many people, but creating a safe, non-judgmental and understanding space for a friend, colleague or family member could make a huge difference to their mental health and wellbeing. To find out more about supporting yourself and others check out the R U OK Day Facebook page or website: www.ruok.org.au/. credit to the Phillip Island Fire Brigade for their fantastic photo acknowledging this important day.

09.01.2022 ONLY A COUPLE OF HOURS 2020 Clonbinane CFA Santa Run SANTA ARRIVES IN CLONBINANE SOON... Clonbinane CFA has organised for Santa to be on board for a Santa run through the streets of Waterford Park on Sunday night 20 December at 6PM. That is tonight! Due to the current Covid-19 situation, we are unable to put on the sausage sizzle or hose games for the kids this year. We look forward to seeing all the kids standing outside their homes and waving to Santa. This is a Covid safe event.

08.01.2022 Clonbinane CFA October 2020 News Fire Danger Status With over 900 mm of rainfall this year to date we will in for rapid grass growth over the next few months. With the hotter weather and grass curing the threat may well be grass fires, however it is unpredictable and a season can change rapidly. Grass fires are rapid and can change direction quickly. A going grass fire can bring intensity and heat if it enters a forest area....Continue reading

08.01.2022 DON'T DIE TRYING TO DO THE WORK OF A LICENCED AND QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN Many people are now stuck at home and are putting their energy into home renovation projects. If it is electrical, then there is only one person that is legally qualified to do electrical work at your property.... The message is clear- Don't risk your life to save a few dollars; when it comes to electrical, you cannot guarantee a circuit is not live. Only a licenced electrician is permitted to do that work. STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE-(that includes electrical). Structure/house fires are often caused by electrical faults, so please do not put your family at risk.

08.01.2022 2020 SANTA RUN Clonbinane CFA has organised for Santa to be on board for a Santa run through the streets of Waterford Park on Sunday night 20 December at 6PM. Due to the current Covid-19 situation, we are unable to put on the sausage sizzle or hose games for the kids this year.... We look forward to seeing you then.

08.01.2022 Did you know that only 1 in 10 Victorian households have smoke alarms in recommended locations? In the last 10 years, 22 people across regional Victoria have di...ed due to fires in their bedrooms. Install interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom and living area in your home. It could save your life.

06.01.2022 Some Friday humour from our friends at Mt.Macedon CFA. Wishing you a wonderful weekend everyone.

05.01.2022 Clonbinane CFA is operational throughout Covid-19 restrictions and precautions, however we are are unable to conduct the normal training sessions for our firefighters. With the next fire season quickly approaching, it is mandatory for all firefighters to be compliant in the annual requirement to practice BURN OVER DRILLS. A burn over is an emergency situation where a fire crew is in immediate danger of bushfire entrapment. The fire crew are forced to take cover within the f...ire vehicle and activate the crew protection system. There is a sequential procedure that takes place. It requires drills and practice to be competent in a burnover emergency. So if you see us out and about once again on a Sunday morning, then it because we are performing the individual CFA firefighter's requirement to be competent in firefighter entrapment before the commencement of the declared fire season. The CFA puts SAFETY FIRST Photos taken this morning performing a burn over drill next to the Dabyminga Creek Dam. Where is the fire crew? Safely inside Clonbinane Tanker 2 with the Crew Protection System activated and the reflective heat shield blinds rolled down.

05.01.2022 Clonbinane Rural Fire Brigade September Newsletter 2020 Training... Currently the only training take place is on line due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, the brigade is operational with strict protocols in place for respiratory protection, for both firefighters and the public. Weather After exceptional wet weather this winter, we can expect plenty of grass growing once the sun warms the damp earth. It is a good time to prepare your machinery for the pre-summer clean up. Change oil and fuel for pumps and mowers. You might need to charge up the battery on your ride-on mower. Fire Safety and Design for Building a New Home Fire safety is just one aspect of good house design. If you want to manage your bushfire risk or reduce your chance of experiencing a house fire, there are many steps you can take when designing and building your home. Where you site your home on your property, the type of house you build, the materials you use and the way you prepare your garden can all influence the success of your home surviving during a bushfire. If you are building in an area with a bushfire risk, your property may be subjected to a Wildfire Management Overlay (WMO). Your council's planning scheme has identified areas where the likelihood and consequence of a bushfire is severe and it is these areas that are subject to the provisions of a WMO. Your self-assessment may need to be supported by a Wildfire Development Plan or a planning report as part of your permit application. CFA engages in Land Use Planning to support its objective of improving community safety in wildfires. CFA is a Referral Authority in all municipal planning schemes for subdivisions that create roads and for areas that are subject to a WMO. There are also steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing a house fire, including: Installation of hard wired in smoke alarms this is now required by legislation in all new homes prior to occupancy Installation of smoke detectors in all bedrooms Installation of Safety switches (Earth Leakage) in all homes; - this play a valuable role in fire safety by reducing the risk of faulty electrical equipment leading to a house fire. Check the type of smoke alarm installed and the expiry date; replace it with a smoke alarm that has a 10-year battery life. All smoke alarms require regular testing and replacement after 10 years. For further information on making your home safe from bushfire and house fire, go to the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au Please contact the brigade if you require any local fire safety information. Check us our on Facebook. Cheers and drive safely John Mahoney- Captain

05.01.2022 Clonbinane Rural Fire Brigade August Editorial 2020 Ladder Safety at Home... Do you need to unblock the gutters? Quick job? If you are over 50 then it is considered not a job for you. It is a high-risk task regardless of your age. Whatever your age, you need to plan and carry out a few checks before your run up the ladder. It should be a two-person task, ideally someone holding the ladder for you. Falls from ladders are a common cause of serious injury at home. It is the biggest cause of serious injuries at home to men; the following information is a guide to safe use of ladders- Ladders should be inspected and maintained before use If you consider the job risky, then consult a professional or consider the use of a mobile scaffold or elevated work platform Always check for overhead powerlines or electrical and radiation hazards before attempting to set up a ladder Do not use a ladder in a doorway or driveway unless the area has been blocked off to access Ensure that the ladder is set up on a firm surface and placed at a safe angle Secure either the base and/or top of the ladder to prevent it from moving. Consider getting someone to hold the base of the ladder Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder i.e. two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot Face the ladder when climbing up or down Use the ladder runs to grip the ladder and not the sides of the ladder Do not over stretch when using the ladder Avoid climbing or descending the ladder whilst carrying anything in your hands- consider rope and bucket instead Keep your feet free from mud, grease or other slippery material Do not stand higher than the tread or run indicated on the ladder as the highest standing level A ladder used for access to a roof must extend at least one metre above the level where a person exits the ladder Use a ladder for what it was designed for. They are not to be used as a support for work platforms such as planks If you access the roof often then consider fitting a commercial ladder point, a bracket that is permanently fitted to the roof to prevent the ladder from moving and allows the ladder to be tied off. A photo from the early 1960s with workers putting the final touches to a second story extension. All the safety rules were broken with this one! A WorkSafe diagram on ladder safety. Commercial task by a professional using a ladder access point. Please contact the brigade if you require any information or check out the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au Cheers and drive safely John Mahoney Captain

04.01.2022 FIRE SAFETY WITH HOME WOOD HEATERS We regularly discuss the need to remove creosote in your chimney by annual cleaning and correct selection of firewood. It is not only in the chimney that an unwanted fire can occur. ... Some wood heaters have a rotary fan to suck air in through vents, situated near the floor. The fan passes air over the back of the heat box and out through vents located on top of the heater. Normally you would have a variable speed switch that controls the airflow. When the wood heater is burning this fan spreads warm air into your home. Those vents close to floor also suck in dust, fluff, animal hair and any wood particles that are at the base of the heater. The fire risk is twofold- 1. Fire can start due to an electrical fault caused by a blocked fan 2. A hot spark could fall through the vent and ignite the build-up of fluff What to do? The space under the wood heater needs to be cleaned regularly by a competent person. The power needs to turn off and the cable unplugged at the wall socket. The grill/vent panel needs to be removed. The dust, fluff, animal hair and any wood particles need to be removed The fan and its power cable need to be removed from the unit The rotary fan needs to have all the vanes cleaned by compressed air blower (Even a leaf blower will do the task). When all is clean and dust free, the fan and grill can be put back and tested. Photo: A block and dirty fan may cause the fire you do not want

04.01.2022 It is Fire Action Week. When this wet weekend is over, get stuck into it.

03.01.2022 Clonbinane CFA November 2020 Newsletter The Fire Danger Period The Chief Officer has declared commencement of the Fire Danger Period in some of the municipalities of North-West Victoria, however the commencement of the Fire Danger Period in the Shire of Mitchell has not been declared. ... Burning off without a Permit is still permissible; however, additional restrictions and rules apply in urban areas. The Shire of Mitchell by-laws state burning off requires notification by phoning 1800 668 511 to register your burn. Lightning Strikes and Fire Breaks -TAKE a BREAK, Take a FIRE BREAK Be vigilant at this time of the year for lightning strikes. Not only do they start grass and scrub fires but they can also start a structure or house fire. If you believe your home has been hit then you should check all compliances for damage near the socket. Check your TVs telephone equipment, modems etc. On Christmas Eve several years ago, there was a lightning strike and fire at Clonbinane on the Mountain. It was on private property in an area difficult to access due to high stony ridges with plenty of dead trees from the Black Saturday fire. Lightning strikes are a big fire threat in our district. Some ignite into flames instantly whereas other lightning strikes can be sleepers and pop up days later in warm and windy conditions. It is anticipated that the high rainfall this year will promote significant grass growth. Grassfires move quickly, especially on windy days. Firebreaks can reduce fire spread in low to moderate fire danger conditions. In a fire, trees, shrubs and tall grasses with large seed heads within 20 metres of a firebreak can produce embers that cross the break (spotting), or under some conditions allow flames to cross the break. However, these firebreaks allow faster access for firefighting vehicles and produce a line of defence if back burning is required. In open areas or paddocks, consider putting firebreaks on your private land. A 3 metres minimum mineral earth boundary firebreak may stop a fire leaving your property or entering your property from neighbouring properties. Grass slashing and vehicles are often the cause of grass fires. A wide mineral earth firebreak will give you added protection and reduce the risk of the fire spreading further. Plan your property for the summer fire season now. Clear gutters and provide a safe haven around your home. Recheck your gutters each month. Remove debris and firewood piles away from your house. Maintain your lawnmower, brush cutter, and chainsaw before use to ensure that they are not the cause of a fire starting in dry grass. All the best with the mowing. John Mahoney- Captain

03.01.2022 CFA out northwest Victoria involved in the rescue of a Clydesdale horse that fell into a 5 metre well.

02.01.2022 Men’s Week Message

02.01.2022 FIRE DANGER PERIOD COMMENCES SOON The declared Fire Danger Period will commence at 1 am on the 7 December, 2020 in the Mitchell Shire. Take great caution burning off at this time of year by checking the weather forecast for the entire day. Focus on predicted winds. Winds over 10 KPH will heighten the risk of your fire escaping. ... Please register your burn, preferably commence your burn early in the day when humidity is higher. Have adequate water on hand to control a fire that gets out of hand. It is very important that you register your burn by phoning on 1800 668 511 before you commence your burn. This may prevent unnecessary CFA turn outs. Let your neighbours know of your intentions to burn off. It is too late to burn large windrows and stumps. Fires can burn below the surface and resurface in dangerous conditions many weeks later. If you live in an urbanised area additional council requirements apply.

02.01.2022 Bathroom dust has the potential to be a fire hazard. How do the heat lamps and fans in your bathroom look?

01.01.2022 The latest short video regarding smoke alarms in your home, brought to you by the CFA and FRV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVHVN29y6pU&feature=share

01.01.2022 CLONBINANE RURAL FIRE BRIGADE HONOUR BOARD The honour board is now mounted and proudly features in the meeting/training room at the fire station.