Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett has officially opened a community fire refuge in the Yarra Ranges which will provide another last-resort shelter for people threatened by significant fires.
The $1.6 million Wesburn-Millgrove Fire Station and Community Fire Refuge is the state’s second combined CFA fire station and refuge.
The refuge is designed to withstand the most severe fire conditions, protecting people who are unable to leave the area from radiant heat and embers.
The refuge will be activated if a fire is threatening the community and is a last-resort option only. Residents are always encouraged to leave early on high-risk days.
Victoria has three other bushfire shelters located at East Warburton, Ferny Creek and Blackwood with plans under way for a fifth refuge at Lavers Hill in the Otways.
The new facility will also be home to the 67-year-old Wesburn-Millgrove Fire Brigade.
The Wesburn-Millgrove Fire Brigade has served the neighbouring Yarra Ranges’ towns of Millgrove and Wesburn, as well as surrounding communities since 1948.
Its new three-bay station will provide better security for firefighting trucks and other equipment, more storage space and upgraded training, kitchen and meeting areas.
Ms Garrett also presented a number of brigade members with CFA service medals as part of the official opening.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett
“The new Wesburn-Millgrove Fire Station and Community Fire Refuge is a vital addition to one of the state’s most fire-prone areas.”
“The new station is a major boost to the brigade’s dedicated group of volunteer firefighters, while the community refuge provides an emergency shelter in the event of significant fires in the area.”
“The refuge is a last resort option only. The safest option is always to leave a high-risk bushfire area well before a fire front approaches.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021