Hilldene Fire Brigade

18/10/2026

🔥 COMMUNITY SAFETY IN NORTHWOOD! 🔥

Last week, Hilldene Fire Brigade hosted our first Community Safety session as part of our Get Fire Ready activities for the season.

We headed out to Northwood for a Roadside Fire Safety Meeting, where we had a great turnout from local residents and some fantastic discussions about getting prepared for the fire season. Thanks to everyone who came along, got involved and took the time to be better prepared!

But we're only getting started! 👀

Keep an eye out for details of our next event, especially planned with our local community and their families in mind. It's sure to be a hit, and we can't wait to see you there! 🚒🔥🎬🎟🥩🍔♨️

03/10/2026

CONFUSED THIS MORNING? ⏰

Woke up wondering what time it is, checking your phone and trying to work out whether your devices changed over automatically?

That’s right… Daylight Savings has kicked in overnight! ☀️

But you know what can’t change automatically?

🔥 Your smoke alarm batteries.

Daylight Savings is the perfect reminder to test your smoke alarms.

✅ Press the test button and make sure it sounds
✅ Check the condition of your smoke alarm
✅ If the battery needs replacing, replace it
✅ Better yet, consider upgrading to a 10 year lithium battery smoke alarm

A few seconds of testing could make a huge difference when you need it most.

Change your clocks. Test your alarms. Stay fire ready. 🚒

21/09/2026

🔥 PREPARATION.

Start now.

👇

16/09/2026

Give fire a break! 🔥

Grassfires can travel incredibly quickly when they get a run through dry grass and vegetation.

For rural properties, 20 metres is a good starting point when considering fuel reduction around your home and critical farm infrastructure. The important part is not just creating a break. It’s keeping it maintained throughout the fire season.

Mow, slash, graze or plow grass and other vegetation around your home, sheds, machinery, livestock areas and other critical infrastructure. Keep grass, fallen timber and other fuels clear from the things your livelihood depends on. 🌾🚜

But preparing your property isn’t just about reducing fuel.

🚒 Make sure emergency services can get in.

• Keep your driveway, property access and farm gates clear, with enough room for a fire truck to enter safely.
• Make sure there is enough space for emergency vehicles to turn around near your home, sheds and other critical buildings.
• Keep access to critical water supplies, including tanks, dams and other water points, clear and accessible for emergency services.

A firebreak doesn’t guarantee a fire will stop. Under severe conditions, fire and embers can cross breaks, but reducing available fuel around your property can help reduce fire intensity and the risk to your home, infrastructure and livelihood.

Don’t wait for the first hot day. Get your property ready now and keep on top of it throughout the fire season.

🔥 Reduce the fuel. Clear the access. Protect what matters.

Learn more at cfa.vic.gov.au/ruralgrassfires


Mitchell Shire Council

10/09/2026

On the eve of the 2026 Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb, our members are still working hard, putting in those final hours of preparation to make sure they’re ready to give it everything they’ve got!
Every step they take tomorrow is about more
than the challenge. Every dollar raised goes towards supporting Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the 000 Foundation. Helping people and families who truly need it.

Dig deep and show your support.
Whether it’s $5, $10 or whatever you can spare, every donation makes a difference. Great or small, it all adds up!

This year’s climb also carries an even deeper significance. On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, participants will wear the names of personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice on that fateful day.
They will climb in their memory, honouring the courage, sacrifice and service of those who never made it home.

One climb. One team. Hundreds of steps.

Good luck to our members! Give it everything you've got!

https://www.firefighterclimb.org.au/station/cfa/hilldene/

08/09/2026

🔥 THINKING ABOUT BURNING OFF BEFORE FIRE SEASON?

Now is the time to start thinking about any planned burning you may need to undertake before the fire season gets underway.
If you’re planning to burn, make sure you know the rules before you light it.

🔥 Check Mitchell Shire Council Local Laws and requirements
🔥 Check whether you need a permit or approval
🔥 Check the weather and wind conditions
🔥 Keep your burn small, manageable and well away from buildings and other hazards
🔥 Have enough people and equipment available to control the fire
🔥 Never leave a fire unattended
🔥 Make sure the fire is completely extinguished before you leave

Remember, the Fire Danger Period is not the only restriction on burning. Council Local Laws and other regulations may apply throughout the year.

A burn that gets away can quickly become a bushfire. Plan it, check the rules and be prepared before you strike the match.

If you’re unsure whether you can burn on your property, check with Council before you light up.

Prepare now. Burn safely. Don’t become the fire you’re preparing for.

02/09/2026

🌱 SPRING HAS SPRUNG! 🔥

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to dust off your fire plan and emergency kit and start getting your property ready for the upcoming fire season.

The warmer weather is a great opportunity to get stuck into those jobs you’ve been putting off — clear vegetation, tidy up around buildings, check access points to make sure we'll fit where required and make sure your property is prepared.

Think it’s too early? It’s not.

Fire services across the country are already preparing for the season, and some parts of Australia have already entered their Fire Danger Period.

We’ve seen it time and time again, property preparation matters. The work you do now can make a real difference when a fire threatens your property.

Don’t wait for the first hot day. Start preparing now. 🔥

Mitchell Shire Council
Seymour FM 103.9
CFA District 12
CFA (Country Fire Authority)

01/09/2026

Need to upgrade your private firefighting appliances before the fire season?

Jump online and check out the 'All Fired Up' grants thanks to BlazeAid!
https://blazeaid.com.au/all-fired-up-grant-2026

All Fired Up Applications open 9am TODAY!
Here's the link to the form:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/FTLTugLhPy