Council Municipal Fire Prevention Officers will commence property inspections over the coming weeks to prepare the Southern Grampians region for the upcoming fire season.
Fire Prevention Notices will be issued to properties identified as needing improvement works, which will outline required actions to ensure properties reach an appropriate standard under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 for the ensuing Fire Danger Period.
Council’s Fire Prevention Officer Jason Barker said it’s important the community begins to prepare their property for the 2021/22 fire season regardless of the current cooler conditions.
“While we haven’t yet seen the start to our warm weather here in the Southern Grampians, we know that once it hits the grass will dry out quickly. This will inevitably create significant fuel loads in some locations around our region so now is the time to start minimising grasses and preparing your property for the upcoming summer,” said Mr Barker.
“We will be issuing fire prevention notices over the coming weeks to properties identified as needing to reduce fire hazards. The required works must also be completed by the allocated date featured on the Notice.
“By removing the fine fuels such as leaves and long grass now, it can go a long way in minimising the intensity and spread of a potential fire on your property so it’s just as important to maintain an appropriate standard throughout the entire Fire Danger Period.
“If residents find themselves struggling to complete works as requested by the Notice deadline whether it be access, physical limitations or other compounding factors, property owners are encouraged to contact Council to discuss their options,” concluded Mr Barker.
Property owners face a potential fine of approximately $1,800 if works identified within the issued Fire Prevention Notice are subsequently not completed by the identified date.
Resources to help prepare properties for the upcoming Fire Danger Period can be found on the Country Fire Authority website, www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property. For more information on Fire Prevention Notices, visit sthgrampians.vic.gov.au.