Landowners urged to prepare their properties for Fire Danger Period
October 14, 2016
Colac Otway Shire Council has sent almost 7000 landowners a courtesy letter reminding them of their responsibility to clean up their properties ahead of the Fire Danger Period.
Council's Senior Compliance Officer Doug Winckle said despite recent wet weather, the fire season was fast approaching and now was the time to begin preparing your property.
"The recent rain and flooding can give us a false sense of security and perception that fire weather is well in the future," he said.
"However, the growth of grass and collection of fire danger fuels will be greater than in previous years due to the rainfall activity which is why early attention to reducing fuel load is required.
"Grasses and fuels will cure very quickly and residents may be caught out given the late start of the declared Fire Danger Period.
"The official date for the Fire Danger Period in Victoria has not been announced, but is expected to be later than previous years due to heavy rainfall across the district.
"Our message is don't wait. Our shire has one of the most fire prone landscapes in the country, so it's incredibly important that we work together in partnership with the community to reduce this risk."
Mr Winckle said that when the Fire Danger Period began anyone wanting to burn off on their property will need a permit from Council.
"We are encouraging all landowners to take action early and to reduce all grass heights to a maximum of 100 millimetres. People should remove tree and garden waste, clean up fine fuels, such as leaves and bark, and create fuel reduction zones where required," he said.
"Reducing fuel loads on properties ensures that if a fire does break out, it has less chance of taking hold on either your property or that of your neighbours."
Council will commence its property inspection program from 2 November, working on areas of concern first and then proceeding from north to south. The inspection program continues throughout the Fire Danger Period. Properties found to be non-compliant will be issued with a fire prevention notice.
"Property owners who don't comply with a fire prevention notice face heavy penalties set by the State Government.
"The base fine is $1556, plus the cost of Council having to organise the clean up of your property. If a fire infringement matter goes to court, you could pay up to $18,200 in fines, and be sent to prison for up to 12 months," he said.
Landowners' responsibilities
Vacant land and small residential blocks — Cut and remove all grass to a height not exceeding 100 millimetres; remove general rubbish, tree and garden waste, and fine fuels such as leaves and bark. Please leave substantial trees.
Hobby Farms — Prepare a 10 metre fuel reduction zone on all external boundaries. Grass heights should not exceed 100 millimetres. Maintain up to a 20 metre fuel reduction zone around dwellings, outbuildings and sheds.
Farms — Create a fuel reduction zone of 20 metres around dwellings, outbuildings and sheds. Maintain a fuel reduction zone of 10 metres on all external boundaries where normal cropping and grazing activity is not occurring.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400