Preparation for drought and bushfire
The Sanctuary works closely with the Melbourne Fire Brigade (MFB), the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and other local authorities in undertaking fire protection measures throughout the Wildlife Sanctuary and the Crown Land Nature Conservation Reserves (Gresswell Forest, Gresswell Hill, Gresswell Habitat Link) to protect people and property, and minimise the consequences of a fire.
Control burning
Prior to each fire danger period the University has completed and has checked a number of key fire protection measures, including:
- A network of 45 truck-sized tracks and fire-breaks (covering more than 19km) are pruned, mown and otherwise maintained.
- There are regular localised controlled burns, conducted each year, to reduce fine-fuel loads and dead weed patches, and help reduce the risk of wild fire; 20 were successfully carried out in 2008.
- Regular inspections by the local MFB fire crews from Bundoora fire station, and yearly on site inspections with the MFB Northern Zone fire safety Commander, are undertaken to assess preparedness; detailed inspections were conducted in December and November 2008.
- Signposting of fire emergency numbers (000 and 9479 2222) are included on all new signage.
- Water hydrants for MFB use are located along all streets, within easy reach of the Sanctuary and Nature Conservation Reserves.
