Residents warned to maintain yards as fire season looms

HOUSEHOLDERS whose properties pose a fire danger risk with vegetation higher than 10 centimetres around their dwellings have been warned they could be issued with a Fire Prevention Notice by the City of Greater Bendigo under the CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria Acts.

With fire prevention officers commencing property inspections this month, residents who fail to comply with an issued notice could have a contractor engaged to undertake mitigation works on their behalf by the council.

In that case they’ll have to pay the cost of the work plus an admin fee.

In some circumstances an infringement of 10 penalty units ($2,035.10) will also apply.

City municipal fire prevention officer Darren Masters said current weather conditions will likely result in high grass growth which will dry out and become a fire risk.

“According to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring, low rainfall for the past 18 months has resulted in an increase in fuel from dead plant material and vegetation,” he said.

“Recent rainfalls will likely produce green paddocks during Spring, however with underlying dryness this could result in early curing which strongly influences ignition and the spread of a fire.

“It’s important to start preparing your property now before the grass dries out and the fire danger period commences.”

Key actions for residents include keeping grass low around homes and sheds, clearing gutters of leaves, removing flammable items from decks and verandas and cutting back overhanging branches.

The City will commence its annual grass slashing program in November, which includes rural roadsides and land that it manages.

Visit the CFA website for more information.