Preparation for 2024/25 fire season begins
Published on 04 November 2024
The time to prepare for the upcoming fire season is here, with Council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officers set to commence property inspections across the Southern Grampians over the coming weeks. Arrangements have also been made to make it easier to get rid of excess green waste at the Hamilton Transfer Station until 10 November.
Fire Prevention Notices will be issued to properties with potential fire hazards like excess vegetation or other flammable materials. These notices will communicate what needs to be removed to reduce the risk of fire.
Notices issued outline required actions needed to ensure properties reach an appropriate standard under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 for the ensuing Fire Danger Period.
In order to assist residents in getting rid of excess green waste ahead of the fire danger period, it will be free to dispose of green waste at the Hamilton Transfer Station for residents of the Shire only, between 4 and 10 November. Commercial vehicles dropping green waste material will be charged as usual.
Weekly green waste collection will continue throughout November until the regular summer waste service begins.
Southern Grampians Shire Council’s Director Wellbeing, Planning and Regulation, Rory Neeson said it’s important that residents begin to think about preparing their properties now.
“Even though the warm weather hasn’t fully arrived yet, it’s important to start planning now,” said Mr Neeson. “The impending hot weather mixed with the limited winter rainfall will contribute to a high fire risk for the upcoming summer season.
“It’s important that residents get on top of their properties now to minimise grasses and reduce fine fuels like sticks, barks and leaves found around the home.
“We will be starting property inspections from 11 November and issuing fire prevention notices to those who are identified as needing to reduce fire hazards. The required works must be completed by the allocated date featured on the Notice or risk being issued an infringement notice.
“Reducing excess fuels can go a long way in minimising the intensity and spread of a potential fire on your property. But remember to be effective, this maintenance work mustbe continued throughout the entire Fire Danger Period and not carried out just as a once off,” concluded Mr Neeson.
Residents who find themselves struggling to complete works as requested by the Notice deadline including access, physical limitations or other compounding factors, are encouraged to contact Council to discuss their options.
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