Categories
Announcement

Fire Danger Period 2023 – 2024

Fire Danger Period 2023 – 2024

The Fire Danger Period
starts
Monday 18th December 2023
for the following municipalities

  • Knox City Council
  • Manningham Council
  • Maroondah City Council
  • Yarra Ranges Council

Restrictions on lighting fires will apply.

Prepare your property for grass and bushfires More information visit CFA.VIC.GOV.AU 
2023-2024 Fire Danger Period

Categories
Events

Upwey CFA Open Day 2023

Open Day Saturday 28th October 2023

Upwey CFA invites you to join us Saturday 28th October 2023 when we open our doors to the community.

Meet your local fire fighters. Get great tips and information about the risks of bush fires in our area, what to do in an emergency and how to prepare your property.

Lots of fun for kids of all ages including getting your photo taken in a real fire truck

Doors open from 12:00pm to 4:30pm.

See also our facebook page

Categories
Announcement

Vale Kerry OBrien

Vale Kerry O'Brien

We are saddened to mention the passing of CFA and Brigade Life Member, Kerry O’Brien.

Kerry joined Upwey Fire Brigade in August of 1958, serving as a Brigade Officer from 1975 to 1978. He is the recipient of the National Medal, (and several additional clasps recognising his ongoing contribution) and the National Emergency Medal for his participation in the 2009 Black Saturday Fires. The VFBV Gold Star Award.

Kerry was awarded Life Membership of the Upwey Fire Brigade in 1985 and made a CFA Life Member in 2013. Between 1979 and 1995, Kerry was awarded the Brigades Best Fireman Award 12 times, with an additional two years as runner up. He was also awarded Commendation Awards 8 times being for recognition of the many jobs he has undertaken over this time.

Kerry also had a helping hand in maintaining the Brigades’ social activities ranging from Pokies trips to NSW, Car Shows, Bingo nights to name a few. He has played a major role in the development and maintenance for all our vehicles over these years through involvement in our Vehicle Replacement committees, Driver development programs and member welfare programs.

Kerry, equally known for his fastidious detail in maintaining our Firefighting appliances as his sense of humour and comedic antics.

Vale Kerry O’Brien, you were instrumental in modeling the brigade to be where it is today, you will not be forgotten.

The Upwey township flag was flown at half mast in respect to the 65 years of service provided to the community of Upwey, surrounding townships, numerous Victorian and interstate campaign fires.

For funeral details, visit www.facebook.com/UpweyCFA

Vale Kerry OBrien
Categories
Home Fire Safety

Daylight Saving 2023 Starts

Daylight Saving Starts 1st October 2023

Daylight Saving Starts 2am Sunday 1st October 2023.

Turn your clocks FORWARD 1 hour.

Upwey CFA encourages you to check all your smoke alarms are in working order when daylight saving STARTS this Sunday. You should also change the battery in all your battery operated smoke alarms.

Three easy steps;

  1. Test all your smoke alarms monthly – press the test button
  2. Dust all your smoke alarms annually
  3. Check &/or change the battery
Daylight saving begins

Learn the Where, Why and What About Smoke Alarms

Categories
Events

2nd Chance Booksale 2023

2nd Chance Booksale

Upwey CFA 2nd Chance Booksale returns for 2023. 

2nd Chance Book Sale 2023

 

Join us Sunday 27th August 2023 at the  Upwey Fire Brigade 2nd Chance Booksale.

We have a big range of used books, CDs, DVDs and vinyl records are available for sale with lots of of items available from a low $1-00 each.  

Doors open from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

Grab yourself a bargain, meet the wonderful volunteers from your local fire brigade, grab a bite or drink at the sausage sizzle and get information about how to be fire safe.

See our events page or visit us on Facebook for more details.

Categories
Fire Awareness & Safety

Bushfire Resilience Webinars 2023

2023 Bushfire Resilience Webinars

The 2023 bushfire resilience webinars commence Wednesday 9 August 2023. 

Register now to get your link to the first LIVE webinar and also links to the webinar recordings. https://br.org.au/webinar.

Bushfire Resilience Webinars 2023

An El Niño summer is coming

Recent rainfall has supercharged fuel loads. Dry conditions will increase fire risks next summer, especially grass fires. Watch the webinars with family and friends and discuss the information and your plans.

BRI’s webinars are presented by eminent subject experts. Learn how grass fires and bushfires behave and what your family can do to reduce your risks.

Viewers can ask questions before or during the webinar, and when you register we’ll also send you a link to videos. To learn more about our presenters head to br.org.au/presenters

Note that these events are run by Bushfire Resilience Inc. Bushfire Prepare is not responsible for this event.  Bushfire Prepare is promoting this event in the interests of community safety.

Bushfire Resilience Webinars 2023 dates
Categories
Brigade Activities

Jumble Sale 2023 Success

Jumble Sale 2023

From the entire team at Upwey CFA, we want to pass on a very big THANK YOU to everyone who supported the 52nd Annual Jumble Sale.

Despite the prediction of poor weather for the day, the rain and strong winds didn’t arrive but the crowds certainly did and made it a huge success.

It was a hectic first hour for the crew with strong of sales that continued through the entire day. The BBQ was well supported with strong demand for sausages and hamburgers. The hot donuts were a very popular choice.

Planning for the 53rd Jumble Sale 2024 has already begun and we look forward to seeing you then.

Categories
Announcement

Fire Danger Period 2023 Update

Fire Danger Period 2023 Update

The Fire Danger Period will be lifted Tuesday 11 April 2023 for the following municipalities.

  • Knox City Council
  • Manningham Council
  • Maroondah City Council
  • Yarra Ranges Council

If you burn off after the conclusion of the Fire Danger Period, please be mindful that it is easy to lose control of your small burn-off. You can refer to the CFA brochure ‘Are you burning off safely?’ to ensure your burn remains safe and legal.

Take care and make sure you have water available at all times and never leave your burn-off unattended.

Before lighting a burn-off, we urge residents to always notify their neighbours and register their burn either online via firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling the Burn-Off Notification Line on 1800 668 511.

Always check and adhere to your council’s local laws and regulations before burning off.

 

 
More information visit cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod
Fire Danger Period 2023 Ended
Categories
Home Fire Safety

Daylight Saving 2023 Ends

Daylight Saving Ending 2023

Daylight Saving ends 3am Sunday 2nd April 2023.

Turn your clocks BACK 1 hour.

Upwey CFA encourages you to check your smoke alarms are in working order when daylight saving ends this Sunday. If you have a battery operated alarm, change the battery also.

Three easy steps;

  • Test all your smoke alarms monthly – press the test button
  • Dust all your smoke alarm annually
  • Check &/or change the battery

DLS ends test smoke alarm
Categories
Announcement

Total Fire Ban 18/03/2023

TOTAL FIRE BAN

An EXTREME Fire Danger Rating and a TOTAL FIRE BAN
has been issued for Central District for
Saturday 18 March 2023
which includes Upwey area.

Watch the short video below for information about extreme ratings.

For more information about fire danger ratings and total fire bans visit cfa.vic.gov.au/

Categories
Brigade Activities

Jumble Sale 2023

Jumble Sale Returns For 2023

Everyone at Upwey CFA is excited to announce the much loved Jumble Sale is back and will be held Saturday May 6th 2023.

A timeless tradition of the Upwey township. This once-a-year event offers an opportunity to the community to upcycle unwanted goods and score a bargain at the same time.

Keep an eye out for our flyers arriving in your letter box.

For more information, visit our facebook page

Jumble Sale 2023
Categories
Announcement

Fire Danger Rating 17/02/2023

Extreme Fire Danger Rating Issued

An EXTREME Fire Danger Rating has been issued for Central District for Friday 17 February 2023 which includes Upwey.

Watch the short video below for information about what an extreme rating means and what actions you should take.

For more information visit cfa.vic.gov.au/

AFDR Extreme
Categories
Announcement

Fire Danger Period 2023

Fire Danger Period 2023

The Fire Danger Period starts Monday 30th January 2023 for the following municipalities.

 
  • Knox City Council
  • Manningham Council
  • Maroondah City Council
  • Yarra Ranges Council
 
More information visit cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod
2023 Fire Danger Period - D13 All Municipalities
Categories
Fire Awareness & Safety

Burn Off Safely 2023

Burn Off Safely In 2023

Are You Safely Burning Off 2023

Are You Burning Off Safely?

Follow these 5 steps to help ensure you burn off safely.
 
  1. Check your Council local laws
  2. Register your burn off – call 1800668511
  3. Stay informed of weather conditions
  4. Don’t leave the burn unattended until fully extinguished
  5. Have an adequate water supply ready and nearby

For information about the current Fire Danger Period

For more information  about burning off, visit Fire Danger Period And Restrictions

Categories
Brigade Activities

Santa Run 2022

Santa Run 2022

Santa will be coming to Upwey on TUESDAY 20th & WEDNESDAY 21st of December 2022.

He will depart the fire station around 6.00pm and tour the Upwey area.

There are some streets he will NOT be visiting. If you live in one of those streets we recommend you walk to the closest corner. You will hear him coming!

Visit our FACEBOOK page for more details facebook.com/UpweyCFA

Upwey CFA Santa Run 2021
Categories
Events

Upwey CFA Christmas 2022

Upwey CFA Christmas 2022

The past few years we have decorated our station to bring some Christmas cheer to our community.

This year we are excited to share our contribution to Light Up Upwey with our Fire Station Gingerbread house.

Special thanks to Bunnings Scoresby for helping out with some donations that helped make the station look fantastic this year.

Upwey CFA Xmas Lights 2022
Categories
Events

Fat Goat CFA Fund Raiser

Fat Goat CFA Fund Raiser Event

18 December 2022

Fat Goat CFA Fundraiser Event

Join us at The Fat Goat, 2 Morris Road Upwey, Sunday 18 December 4pm – 7 pm.

Live music,  sausage sizzle and of course the fantastic range of Fat Goat beer, wine and gin.

We greatly appreciate the generosity of the Fat Goat for putting on this fund raiser event and look forward to seeing you there.

More info, visit Fat Goat facebook page

Categories
Brigade Activities

Quicklay Attack

Quicklay Attack Hose System

Wednesday night (16/11/2022) we did practical training on our new quicklay attack packs.

The kits carry all the equipment we need for the rapid deployment of a hose line for a fire attack inside a large building such as the Angliss Hospital, Schools or Burrinja Cultural Centre.

While this is the main purpose of the kits they offer our firefighters different methods of fire attacks at most fires we go to.

The purchase of this kit was made possible due to the wonderful community support we receive. Thank you.

Categories
News

DLS Starts October 2022

Daylight Saving Starts 2nd October 2022

Daylight Saving starts 2:00am Sunday 2nd October 2022.
 
Turn your clocks FORWARD one hour.
 
CFA also recommends testing your smoke alarms and changing the batteries.

More about smoke alarms
Daylight saving begins
Categories
News

MVA Upwey 20/9/2022

Motor Vehicle Accident Upwey 20/09/2022

At approx 4:30pm Tuesday we responded to a 2 car accident at corner Burwood Highway and Morris Road Upwey, Victoria.
 
Ambulance and Police also attended.
 
Despite both vehicles having extensive damage, fortunately none of the occupants experienced serious injuries.
 
Crews remained at the scene for approximately 60 minutes.
 
Click here for more about our  emergency incident response roles.
 
Click here for more information about the role of our operational members.
Categories
Brigade Activities

MVA Training Night

Motor Vehicle Accident Training Night

Wednesday night saw our firefighters practicing their response to incidents involving motor vehicles. They were put through a number of different scenarios that included fire suppression, attending to injured persons and the presence of hazardous chemicals.
 
Real incidents like these can be quite complex and challenging operations that require a high level of team work so this was a good opportunity for the crews to practice a range of skill sets.
 
Upon arrival at real motor vehicle accidents, the Incident Controller and their team(s) have to make a number of important assessments about the incident before commencing any rescue, fire suppression or other responses. There is often a lot to take in and digest in a very short period of time. Being able to do this in a calm, measured way despite all that can be going on at the time takes a lot of training and practice. This is why Upwey CFA holds training nights like this regularly throughout the year.
 
Click here for more about our  emergency incident response roles.
 
Click here for more information about the role of our operational members.
Categories
Fire Awareness & Safety

About New Fire Danger Ratings

About The New Fire Danger Ratings.

A new simplified Fire Danger Rating system came into effect nationally Thursday 1st September 2022.

You will see this new system appearing on all messaging, including road side signage.

Fire Danger Ratings will be issued on days when there is a fire risk.

Each fire danger rating has a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk.

Watch this short video to learn what each level means and what you need to do to stay safe. ⇒ ⇒ ⇒

Do you think this is a better system?

More about Australian Fire Danger Ratings

 

Categories
Home Fire Safety

1 Metre From The Heater

Keep Clothes 1 Metre From The Heater

During the cooler months many of us dry our clothes in front of the heater.

When doing this, always remember the saying Keep Clothes A Metre From The Heater.

Some advice from CFA
Data from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) reveals Autumn and Winter are the highest risk periods for residential fires in Victoria, due in part to the increased use of home heating.

CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said home heating includes open fires, wood heaters, fixed electrical or gas-powered appliances, and portable electrical, gas, or kerosene heaters.

“More than 70 per cent of fatal house fires start in bedrooms or lounge rooms,” said A/CO Cook.

When it comes to home heating, FRV and CFA recommends:

  • Home heating, including flues and chimneys, are regularly cleaned and serviced by a certified technician.
  • All heating devices are switched off or extinguished before leaving home or going to sleep.
  • Drying clothes and other items must be kept at least one metre away from all heating.
  • Children must be supervised near all types of heating. Maintain a safe distance between children and heating.
  • For portable heating appliances choose models that have automatic safety switches that turn the heater off if tipped over.
  • Keep portable electric heaters away from wet areas to avoid the possibility of electric shock.
  • Brick chimneys and gas heaters should be checked before winter to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • FRV and CFA recommend smoke alarms should be considered “A Bedroom Essential” and recommend they are installed in every living area and bedroom.

 More information visit Winter Chill Brings Increased Home Fire Risk (takes you the CFA web site).

Categories
Fire Awareness & Safety

New Fire Danger Ratings

New Fire Danger Ratings

The way we determine and communicate Fire Danger Ratings is changing.

A new national Fire Danger Rating System is being developed using the latest science to be more accurate and relevant to where you live.

The new system will be used across Australia so whether you’re at home, traveling within Victoria or interstate, you will see the same system being used.

Australian Fire Danger Ratings

The new Fire Danger Rating system has four levels (instead of six); Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic.

There’ll be actions for each level, so you’ll know what to do to protect your life, family and property.

You’ll start seeing the new fire danger ratings online and in your local community from September 2022.

For more information visit About Fire Danger Ratings 

Categories
Brigade Activities

Fire Fighting Training Night

House Fire Fighting Training July 2022

Over the last two weeks, members of the Upwey Fire Brigade undertook live fire fighting training sessions using the CFA structure fire training prop.

 These training sessions help our operational fire fighters practice and hone a range of skills needed when tackling structure fires that include;
  • defensive strategies
  • direct attack
  • entry procedures
  • use of water patterns
  • hot gas cooling techniques
  • water conservation
  • team work and communication
The brigade has access to a range of different fire fighting training props that are used at regular intervals throughout the year.
 
Member safety is always paramount during training and operational events. Live fire fighting training sessions are conducted under strict procedures to ensure the safety of the members involved. 
Categories
Brigade Activities

Good Friday Appeal 2022

Good Friday Appeal 2022

Upwey CFA were out last Friday supporting this year’s Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
 
The team were at the corner of Morris Road and Burwood Highway doing a tin rattle traffic light collection from 8:30-2:30 for the appeal.
 
We were supported with members from Sassafras, Selby and Belgrave brigades.
Collecting for Good Friday Appeal 2022
Categories
Home Fire Safety

Daylight Saving 2022 Ends

Daylight Saving Ending 2022

Daylight Saving ends Sunday 3rd April 2022.

Turn your clocks BACK 1 hour

Upwey CFA encourages you to check your smoke alarms are in working order when daylight saving ends this Sunday.

Three easy steps;

  • Test all your smoke alarms monthly – press the test button
  • Dust all your smoke alarm annually
  • Check &/or change the battery

Categories
Home Fire Safety

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Only Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives

When you‘re asleep you lose your sense of smell. A smoke alarm is your electronic nose. It will alert you if there is smoke from a fire. A small fire can grow to involve an entire room in just two to three minutes. A smoke alarm provides early warning and time to escape.

CFA recommends you have a smoke alarm installed in every living area and bedroom in your home.

Smoke alarms are compulsory in every home.

Since 1 August 1997, Victorian law states that smoke alarms (complying with Australian Standards AS3786) must be installed in all homes, units, flats and townhouses. It is the responsibility of all owners and landlords to install working smoke alarms.

Homes constructed before 1 August 1997 need only standalone, battery powered smoke alarms. Homes constructed after 1 August 1997 must have smoke alarms connected to 240 volt mains power. These smoke alarms must also have a backup battery installed in the smoke alarm in case there is a loss of power.

3 Easy Steps To Maintain Your Smoke Alarm In Working Order.

1. TEST your smoke alarm MONTHLY

Press and hold the test button to check the alarm sounds.

2. DUST your smoke alarm ANNUALLY

Dust the alarm to ensure the vents are not obstructed.

3. CHANGE the battery ANNUALLY

Replace the 9V battery each year.  Modern alarms have lithium batteries that can last 10 years.

Categories
Home Fire Safety

Daylight Saving 2021 Starts

Daylight Saving starts Sunday 3rd October 2021.

Turn your clocks FORWARD 1 hour

Upwey CFA encourages you to check your smoke alarms are in working order when daylight saving starts this Sunday.

Three easy steps;

  • Test all your smoke alarms monthly – press the test button
  • Dust all your smoke alarm annually
  • Check &/or change the battery

Categories
Fire Awareness & Safety

Are You Fire Ready?

Are You Fire Ready?

Victoria is known as one of the most fire prone areas in the world.

If you live near dense forest, bush areas, grasslands or near the coast,  it is important to prepare your property and have a fire plan ready to implement.

Five keys areas to consider are:

  • Clearing trees and vegetation
  • Landscaping around your property
  • Home improvements – what you can do to reduce the impact of embers etc
  • Burning off grass, weeds and other vegetation
  • Farm management plan

Click here for more information on preparing your property.