Mosquito Creek Rural Fire Brigade in Lake Eppalock | Community organisation

Mosquito Creek Rural Fire Brigade

Locality: Lake Eppalock

Phone: 5439 2653

Address: Sunset Drive 3551 Lake Eppalock, VIC, Australia

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Likes: 1437

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• Medical and health
• Community
• Community organisation
• Emergency rescue service

24.01.2022 The Heathcote Police are seeking community help regarding an attempted burglary in Eppalock. Keep your eyes open https://www.police.vic.gov.au/witness-appeal-eppalock-attem

24.01.2022 Getting close to home and there are many local trucks moving around our wider area. Please keep yourself informed

23.01.2022 You may have noticed that we've been a little bit quiet on the social media and community front but, it doesn't mean we've gone away. We just thought there was enough info been thrown around without us adding to things. But there are some messages we need to tell you. COVID-19 / Carona and Mosquito Creek Fire Brigade.... We are operational and ready to serve our community. However, we are all volunteers and we are impacted the same as you are. We are required to minimise our contact and exposure. This means we have extra steps to take when we attend incidents, have stopped our community and household visits and we will be careful with how many of us turn out to incidents. It also means that we will always wear masks in our truck, must wipe down all passenger surfaces of the truck, and be constantly cleaning our radios. All of these steps will place extra strain on our volunteers. FIRE DANGER PERIOD You can help us with this by noting that the Fire Danger Period ended for City of Greater Bendigo at 1:00am on 30th March. This means you can have campfires and small burn offs (please save the bigger ones for winter). If you are having a burn-off or campfire we'd ask you to do the following: 1. Register Your Burn Offs. You can call 1800 668 511 or go to https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/contact/register-your-burn-off Registration is always important but it is critical at the moment 2. Be careful and use your 'bush' smarts. If it is windy then just leave it until the next day. It helps keep everyone safe 3. Be careful and have a water supply with you. Thanks for your ongoing support.

23.01.2022 Entering the home stretch of the Mozzie Creek open day. Huge community turnout. Thanks to everyone who has been so far - we hope you enjoyed the day

23.01.2022 With masks on the Mozzie Creek crew jumped into our entrapment drill training. Entrapment drill is used if our truck is overrun or caught in a fire. It is an option of last resort but we practice hoping we never have to use it. This is part of us preparing for the bushfire season.... What are you doing to prepare? What hints do you have for your neighbours to help them prepare?

19.01.2022 You may have noticed that things are warming up in the Northern Country and we are starting to see a few fires spring up. If you haven’t already done so you need to; 1. Get a plan, talk about it with everyone at your house and practice it ... 2. Prepare your property. Help us to help you https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare

18.01.2022 Residents that live in the Kelly's Road end of our brigade area PLUS those in elevated properties please be aware that our colleagues at Forest Fire Management Victoria are planning to conduct a controlled fuel / hazard reduction burn in the Mandurang South / Sedgwick area tomorrow. It is a considerable size and in the area near Springs and Mandurang South Roads. You may see smoke plumes in the distance.... In a situation where you can see or smell smoke and you are concerned the VicEmergency Hotline can advise whether or not a planned burn is in progress Vic Emergency Hotline phone number is 1800 226 226

17.01.2022 We know many of you are staying at home and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. We also know that there has been an increase in the number of home burns. Knowing this we thought it was timely to give you a little reminder about oil, fat and grease fires.... Oil, fat and grease fires don’t mix with water. What you should do? Instructions are here.... https://news.cfa.vic.gov.au//108c749a-6237-f93e-b2a2-0891a

17.01.2022 Folks it’s time to drag out the gumboots, rain jacket and check your storm emergency kit. Severe Weather Warning for HEAVY RAINFALL Potential rainfall of 30 to 50 mm in a 6 hour period (it isn’t a typing error).... Lake is going to rise and our creeks will fill quickly. For people in Mallee, Northern Country, North Central, Wimmera and parts of Central, South West and North East Forecast Districts. Issued at 4:42 pm Tuesday, 6 October 2020. HEAVY RAIN DEVELOPING OVER NORTHERN VICTORIA Weather Situation: A low pressure system will deepen over northernwestern Victoria during Wednesday evening before tracking south during Thursday HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop across western and central parts of the warning area late on Wednesday before extending to the northeast ranges early on Thursday. 6 hourly rainfall totals of 30-50mm are possible into the early hours of Thursday. A Flood Watch is current for North East Victoria. Locations which may be affected include Mildura, Horsham, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour and Maryborough. The State Emergency Service advises that people should: * Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. * Be alert that in areas recently affected by fires, heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads. * Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured and move vehicles under cover or away from trees. * Stay indoors and away from windows. * If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways. * If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible. * Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees. * Stay away from fallen powerlines always assume they are live. * Stay informed monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency. The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEDT Tuesday. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

16.01.2022 This morning a few brigade members spent some time with KBM Ski Sport Club Lake Eppalock. We squirted hoses with younger members and talked to people about fire safety and how the Brigade invests community donations back into community safety. Our current community safety initiatives include the community first aid course that we hope to run for community members in the near future Thanks to KBM members for their ongoing support. The club has some great fire safety processes in places and this makes our job a lot easier.

16.01.2022 UPDATE 10th June 2020. We are delighted to report that William was found safe and as well as can be expected. Thanks to all who shared our post and to all those who helped search. We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Bush Search & Rescue Victoria. These men and women are volunteers who work in extremely remote areas of Victoria and under very trying conditions. They would have been 'knee deep' in this search. Thanks to them for what they do in our emergency re...sponse community. Bush Search and Rescue Victoria ****************************************** If any of our followers live in the areas mentioned by our colleagues at Kilmore Fire Brigade please follow the advice - particularly helpful if you can quietly and calmly check your out buildings. All of us are hoping for the best for this young man and his family

15.01.2022 Anyone with asthma or a history of respiratory issues should make plans for tomorrow. Information in the attached post

15.01.2022 Planned Burn Update The following information has been received. It shows the large area that will be part of the burn We will provide updates if necessary ... The following link allows you to get more information and sign-up for updates relevant to your area https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/

14.01.2022 We have heard via ABC Central Victoria that there may be a planned hazard reduction burn undertaken today or tomorrow in the Kimbolton Forest near Twin Rivers. When we get more details we will pass them on. Be aware you may see smoke in our Brigade area

13.01.2022 Over recent weeks we, at Mozzie Creek, have deliberately been a little quiet on Facebook posts. We figure that most of you have probably been getting flooded with news and official organisations trying to communicate with you. You don’t need us to add to it. This post is to pass on 3 simple messages.... 1. The Brigade is still here and we are turning out to emergencies if needed. The way we do things has changed but our love of our community and our desire to help hasn’t. 2. Welcome to all our new followers. There has been a few of you lately. It is great you could join us. 3. Time to start talking preparation. Brigade members are starting to talk summer planning, checking their personal protective gear and planning for a grass build up over summer. While you are home it is the perfect time to: a) Think about your preparation and how to make your home safe and ready b) Prepare a fire plan and talk about it with your family c) Start clearing and cleaning around your home. Need More Information? We can’t visit you at the moment but we can still help by pointing you to information on preparing your home. Let us know via messenger or comments if you need information or advice. We count on you to help us keep our community safe. Remember that for safety we always mask up for fires, now we just do it a bit more often. Some may suggest that given some of the brigade members faces it’s not such a bad thing Thanks for your ongoing support, look out for each other and stay safe.

12.01.2022 Yesterday was a wonderful community day for us at Mozzie Creek. Today we received some photos from one of our members who is traveling in the US. The Yarnell Hill Fire was a wildfire near Yarnell, Arizona, ignited by lightning on June 28, 2013. On June 30, it overran and killed 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. Just one of the hotshots on the crew survived. At Mosquito Creek we were lucky enough to have a former hotshot and senior member of the Bureau of Indian A...ffairs Wildland Fire team become a member of our brigade during the time of Black Saturday. His membership created a deeper appreciation of the dangers in other countries and the work of ‘hotshots’ whom are incredibly brave. When we visit other countries we like to take the Mozzie Creek flag and pay our respects to those who sacrificed much to protect others. This time it was the turn of the fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots. Respect to them and their memory.

12.01.2022 Just when you think you've got enough going on in your world along comes the weather controllers to throw a little bit more on to your pile......yes tomorrow is a day of Total Fire Ban for us in Mosquito Creek. That means; put your fire plan in place now. Tomorrow Thursday 19 March has been declared as a day of Total Fire Ban in the Mallee, Wimmera and Northern Country regions. No fires can be lit or be allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12:01 AM on Thursday 19 Mar...ch 2020 until 11:59 PM Thursday 19 March 2020. Visit the Can I or Can't I guide on the CFA website https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can As usual the Mozzie Creek crew will be on call and ready to go. As usual we'd ask for your assistance to remain vigilant. On TFB days we often crew the fire station and some of you drop in to say hello. Given the current situation around Covid-19 we'd ask you not come to the fire station. Whilst we love your visits all of us need to be play our part for community safety.

12.01.2022 The members of Victoria Police are more than just our colleagues in emergency services. They are also our neighbours, friends, parents of our children's friends and in some instances family. They do an incredibly difficult job and serve the rest of us to the best of their ability in very dangerous circumstances. The members of Mosquito Creek CFA extend our sympathies and thoughts to all members of VicPol, and to the families and friends of the four members who lost their lives serving the community. We see you. We appreciate you. We thank you.

09.01.2022 Today we had fun squirting hoses with the community. Tomorrow looks like it will be a little less fun. It is TOTAL FIRE BAN. We need you to start preparing now and be vigilant tomorrow. Keep an eye on the horizon, a nostril to the breeze and an ear to you radio and VicEmergency app.... The safety of our community starts with all of us being super careful and knowing what we Can & Can’t Do. Hint.....no fires, step away from the grinder and welder and try to keep the mowers for another day. A day of TOTAL FIRE BAN has been declared for EAST GIPPSLAND, MALLEE, NORTH CENTRAL, NORTH EAST, NORTHERN COUNTRY and WIMMERA districts tomorrow, Monday 25 January 2021. No fire can be lit in the open air or be allowed to remain alight in between 00:01AM and 11:59PM on Monday 25 January 2021. To know what you can and can’t do on a day of Total Fire Ban, visit: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can/

08.01.2022 This week has seen an increase in the number of fires in the northern parts of Victoria. This means there have been a few community warnings. If you got a ‘Watch & Act’ warning tonight would you know what it means? Here is a quick refresher ... Understanding Warnings and Emergency Information You should never wait to receive an official warning before you leave. Fires can start quickly and threaten homes and lives within minutes. Understand the levels of warnings and don’t expect warnings to be issued in any particular order. The first warning you may get could be an Emergency Warning. https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrict/about-warnings

08.01.2022 Planned Burn Update #3 We have been advised that the burn in Twin Rivers Road, Kimbolton Forest at Lake Eppalock will be ignited this morning. There will be smoke in the area... There will be fire appliances from Forest Fire Management Victoria in the area managing the burn. As there is no wind in the environment the smoke will hang around a little. If you experience symptoms that may come from smoke, seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 If you need information regarding smoke and how to manage it you can have a look at the information found here: https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/bushfire-fuel-and-risk-man/smoke

06.01.2022 You know the brigade is serious about our community day when the brigade officers are pushing the tools. You missed a bit Ben!!!! Doors open at 10.30am. First Aid - tomorrow we open bookings for our community first aid course (level 2 paid for by the brigade). Held locally. Places limited.

06.01.2022 We know you are sitting there wondering "what am I going to do today?" How about you lift you eyes up a little. See that round thing stuck up there, lonely, all neglected......it never gets to go out and no-one gives it a second thought. Today, the day our clocks have gone back 1 hour, how about you give a little love and attention to your smoke alarm.... Change its battery Give it a dust Push its buttons and give it a test Smoke detectors....they look after us so why don't you use today to look after yours. Show some love to your smoke detector.

05.01.2022 You practiced on Monday and did a sensational job adhering to the Total Fire Ban and now we get to do it all again. Tomorrow, Wednesday 13 January 2021 has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban for the Mallee, Wimmera and Northern Country. No fire can be lit in the open air or be allowed to remain alight in between 00:01 and 23:59 on Wednesday 13 January 2021. ... Check your Total Fire Ban status and Fire Danger Rating daily over Summer - visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can

05.01.2022 If you hadn’t noticed it’s hot, and it is getting hotter. Sunday is predicted to be 41 and Monday 43. Overnight on Sunday will be mid 20s. It is important that you:... 1. Look after yourself and your family. Heat kills more Australians than natural disasters. Check this link for information on how to prepare and protect. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/heat 2. Prepare now for elevated fire conditions over the next few days. We’ve seen a number of large fires in the local area that have started due to mowing and other machinery. If you don’t need to do it then maybe hold off until some rain comes. If you do need to do it then early in the morning, when the wind is low and humidity higher and ensure you have lots of water and safety equipment. https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare 3. Keep an eye on Vic Emergency app and an ear on local radio. Regularly monitor your local environment.

04.01.2022 Planned Burn Update #4 The burn is underway. We have received the official information with information for you

03.01.2022 Folks we knew it was coming. The number of fires in our area is steadily increasing. Our Fire Danger Period will commence on Monday 30th November

03.01.2022 Planned Burn Update #2 Forest Fire Management Victoria have advised that the planned burn will be ignited sometime within the next 24 hours. You can sign up for updates at this website https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/

02.01.2022 Thank you to our wonderful community for your support and for your amazing turnout on our community day. You support us with donations, goodwill and most of all you support us by keeping your places clean, and doing the right thing in summer. Since 2015 this has seen a reduction in the number of fires in our Brigade area. For this we say thanks. Thanks to Coles. Your donation to each brigade allowed us to cater for this event and give something back to our community. We a...ppreciate it. Thanks to Ambulance Victoria and your #GoodSam material. We now have people signed up to our 1st Aid Course. Positions still available. Special mention to our visitors from Camberwell Grammar School - an unexpected pleasure to have you drop in. The excitement of the boys was fantastic and we hope you enjoyed squirting hoses.