Residents in the tinder-dry Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges have been urged to tidy up their backyards and discuss fire-safety plans during Fire Action Week.

Monbulk MP James Merlino joined Belgrave resident Barbara Crisp in finalising her fire plan and tidying up the backyard ahead of the fire danger period.

"It's a time for individuals and families to identify potential risks and clear around their homes, properties and communities and to complete their bushfire-survival plans now," Mr Merlino said.

A Belgrave resident of 24 years, Mrs Crisp is using Fire Action Week to go over her fire plan and ensure the property is as safe as possible.

"I'm fortunate to not have too many trees hanging over the house but I'll make sure the block is tidy and gutters cleaned."

Belgrave's iconic Puffing Billy Railway has started its fire-safety campaign - as it has done for the past 47 years.

"It's business as usual at Puffing Billy this summer," chief executive Eamonn Seddon said.

"We have, and always will, take the fire risk danger very seriously. We will, as we do every summer, put a number of measures in place to both mitigate the risk and evaluate any danger that arises on a day-to-day basis."

CFA Yarra area general manager Lex de Man said Fire Action Week was a timely reminder to tidy up the backyard.

"We want the community to work with authorities to do their best to make their small part of the world as safe as possible ahead of the fire season."

Details: www.cfa.vic.gov.au