Catastrophic Fire Danger Days

Catastrophic is the highest Fire Danger Rating and signifies the worst possible conditions for grassfires or bushfires. These days are driven by severe weather, including high temperatures, strong winds and low humidity, and are based on forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). 

If a fire was to start during catastrophic conditions

  • It will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving

  • Fire services will find it difficult to put out

  • There is a high likelihood that lives and properties in the path of the fire will be lost. 

  • Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions. You may not be able to leave, and help may not be available. 

  • Leave high risk bushfire areas the night before a Catastrophic fire danger day or early in the morning of a Catastrophic fire danger day - do not wait and see. 

To support community and staff safety the following service provision changes will be implemented when a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is declared.

Services to be closed

 Service Area Impact to Services
Swimming Pools - Beechworth, Chiltern, Rutherglen, Tangambalanga, Yackandandah
  • In agreement with the operator, Belgravia Leisure, all swimming pools will be closed on catastrophic fire danger days to ensure staff and patron safety.
Transfer stations - Beechworth and Rutherglen  
  • All waste management facilities are closed and remain so until otherwise advised by council.
All Library Services, including outreach services  
  • Physical space and collection are not available
  • Online digital resources are available
  • All scheduled programs are cancelled or deferred
All Visitor Information Centres  
  • Physical space is not available
  • Phone and online support through Live Chat continues from staff who can work from home
Burke Museum and Beechworth Historic Precinct  
  • Physical space and collection are not available
  • Online digital resources are available
  • All scheduled programs are cancelled or deferred
  • Staff to work from home if possible
Outdoor and Field Services work  
  • Will be restricted to essential works that potentially pose a risk to public safety: no mowing, or non-essential works will be undertaken
  • Reschedule road and tree works that do not pose an imminent risk
Office Based Work (Beechworth and Yackandandah)  
  • Work from home if possible
  • All non-essential inspections - including building, environmental health inspections, local laws, infrastructure will be rescheduled
Scheduled or Additional meetings of Council  
  • Meetings may be rescheduled or conducted online
Advisory Committee meetings  
  • Rescheduled

 

Services to be adjusted or rescheduled

 Service Area Impact to Services
Kerbside Collections
  • Reduction in waste collection services and all travel will be determined by the contractor according to their business continuity plans. (No current clauses within individual contracts)
Customer Service (Rutherglen, Beechworth, Chiltern and Yackandandah)  
  • Phone and online support will continue
Maternal and Child Health (MCH)  
  • Unless the immediate health and wellbeing of a child is compromised, home visits, Council and co-located venue appointments will be re-scheduled; In the event of an immediate risk the MCH Nurse must consult with relevant child protection or appropriate health services
Enforcement Services
Ranger Services		  
  • Due to the nature of the work only available to attend urgent animal emergency related calls such as pick-ups or serious dog attacks or urgent animal matters including livestock incidents/injured animals in municipal places requiring assessment
Building maintenance including Contractor Services - cleaning and building works/maintenance  
  • Reduction in services and all travel will be determined by the contractor according to their business continuity plans. (No current clauses within individual contracts)
School Crossings  
  • Due to the nature of the work may be required to attend crossings however, in line with the Dept of Education processes schools may be closed. (generally, notice is provided at least 24 hours in advance of closure)
Community engagement sessions, on-site meetings and events involving Council staff, volunteers or Councillors  
  • Rescheduled

 

For more information, you can visit:

 

 

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