Weather conditions - especially long dry spells and the possibility of lightning strikes - are some of the key factors in starting bushfires and although summer is over Cardinia Shire council is alerting its residents of the ongoing need to be prepared.
Council is conducting two workshops to help landowners ensure they are prepared.
The workshops at Bunyip and Upper Beaconsfield will focus on properties of one to 10 hectares in size and on cool burning techniques.
The northern areas of the shire including north of Bunyip and Garfield have been particularly vulnerable when fires break out.
Property owners will need to register online at https://bushfireprepare.online/ to attend the sessions to be held at Bunyip on May 17 and at Upper Beaconsfield on April 26.
It is recommended that participants complete all online modules on the Bushfire Prepare website before attending a workshop.
The program is aimed at developing residents understanding of important actions they can take to minimise or avoid risks.
Among them are the safety and legal requirements when undertaking a planned burn, firefighting equipment, fuel assessment, preparing control lines, identifying valuable assets and potential hazards, use and maintenance of rake, hoes and drip torches and how to mop up.
The workshops will be held outdoors and, if conditions are suitable, a demonstration burn will be lit