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Ahead of a high-risk fire season across much of Victoria, CFA is highlighting the example of community preparation in Boho earlier this year as a model for all Victorians living in bushfire-prone areas.
In late February, a series of deliberately lit fires swept through the north-east after what had been a quiet, uneventful summer to that point in that area.
In total there were six fires burning in difficult terrain through the Boho Valley, including one major blaze that would test firefighters for weeks.
Former Boho Fire Brigade Captain Gary Washusen said the community’s commitment to property preparation, even late in the fire season, played a critical role in assisting first responders.
“It’s easy to think the risk has passed by the end of summer, but in regional Victoria there’s always the potential for fire,” Gary said.
Describing the challenge, Gary said the scale and location of the blazes made the firefight particularly difficult.
“When we arrived on scene in the pitch black of night, we knew we were in a bit of strife. Two separate fires were burning in steep, inaccessible terrain. One was heading uphill into private property, and the other was just half a kilometre away.”
Reinforcements arrived from CFA brigades across the broader district, joined by Forest Fire Management Victoria with bulldozers, excavators and aerial support.
Together, they held the line.
Overall, the fires burnt more than 1,600 hectares through the Boho Valley.
Notably, no lives were lost, no homes were destroyed, and no serious injuries were recorded – an outcome Gary credits to preparation, cooperation and community spirit.
“It’s a community thing, not just a fire brigade thing. People banded together. Our community has been very well prepared and should be proud they’ve taken that on board,” he said.
“Prepare for the worst. Being fire ready and having a safety plan in place is critical and we know it works.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said Boho serves as a powerful example of the value of preparation.
“This spring we’re pointing to the example set in Boho to show how good planning makes a monumental difference for our first responders,” Jason said.
“Most homes lost in bushfires are destroyed by wind-borne embers, not direct flames. Embers can ignite decks, outdoor furniture, firewood piles and other flammable items around the home, sometimes when the fire front is kilometres away.
“Our recent bushfire community survey found that 85 per cent of residents in high-risk bushfire areas still don’t have a written bushfire survival plan, and 50 per cent perceived the threat of bushfire to be small or very small.
“That complacency is concerning, especially with forecasts pointing to a challenging fire season across many parts of Victoria,” Jason said.
“We’re urging all Victorians to use the lead-up to the Fire Danger Period to get prepared, clear gutters, reduce fuel loads, check pumps and equipment, and review or create a bushfire survival plan.”
CFA is holding a “Get Fire Ready” initiative in October, encouraging all Victorians to engage with local brigades to seek out information this coming fire season and to connect with their local CFA brigade.
There will be activities across the state beginning with the weekend of 4-5 October. Find out more by visiting cfa.vic.gov.au/about-us/cfa-events/get-fire-ready.