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Community Fire Refuges
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Community Fire Refuges
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There are currently five official Community Fire Refuges in Victoria, at East Warburton, Ferny Creek, Millgrove, Blackwood and Lavers Hill.
Community Fire Refuges (CFRs) are only activated and opened once there is significant fire in the local area. Community Fire Refuges offer a last resort shelter option if you cannot leave the area in the event of a fire.
The presence of emergency services is not guaranteed at a community fire refuge. Safe travel to and from the site cannot be guaranteed.
Remember: the safest option is always to leave high-risk areas early before there are any signs of fire.
Community Fire Refuges and Neighbourhood Safer Places - what's the difference?
Most Neighbourhood Safer Places - Places of Last Resort are open-air spaces such as sports ovals, whereas Community Fire Refuges are enclosed buildings that are built or modified to withstand bushfire. Both are last resort options only for when all other plans have failed.
Watch this clip to learn more about how Community Fire Refuges operate:
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More information
Background and policy information on Emergency Management Victoria.