Fire risks flagged ahead of summer

CITY of Greater Bendigo fire prevention officers are beginning to crack down on overgrown grass and other vegetation on residential and rural properties ahead of the summer months by issuing fire prevention notices to non-compliant land holders.

The municipality’s fire prevention program has commenced and will run until February next year, this time around beginning in built up areas before extending to the City’s outer fringes.

Anyone issued with a notice who doesn’t either act on it or apply for an extension may be forced to pay for a municipality-appointed contractor to clean up on their behalf.

City fire prevention officer Darren Masters said some allowances will be made for residents due to recent rain and the fact that the soil remains damp in different areas of the region.

“We acknowledge that some property owners may need additional time to comply with fire prevention notices this year because of the conditions,” he said.

“Property owners issued with a fire prevention notice who need extra time to comply with the notice should complete the form on the City’s website as soon as possible to request an extension.”

Requests for extensions can also be made by calling the council on 1300 002 642.

Residents may discard any green waste at no cost by taking it to the City of Greater Bendigo’s Eaglehawk Landfill or the Heathcote and Goornong Transfer Stations.

Information from the Country Fire Authority on how you can effectively get your property ready for fire season can be found via bit.ly/2ByjZlj.