Council begins annual Fire Hazard Inspections across Shire
Published on 01 December 2022
From 1 December Council will undertake its annual Fire Hazard Inspection Program across Baw Baw Shire, encouraging residents and property owners to reduce fuel loads in and around their properties and help minimise bushfire risk for the upcoming fire season.
In line with CFA guidelines, the annual inspection program sees Council assess properties across the Shire to ensure they do not pose a risk to community safety. Where necessary Fire Prevention Notices may be issued to properties deemed a fire risk.
Fire Prevention Notices direct property owners or occupiers to remove or clean up vegetation or other combustible materials on their land. To help community members understand their obligations and make necessary preparations, an FAQ has been provided on Council’s website.
The best way to minimise fire risk is by reducing reduce fuel loads from around the property. This includes tidying leaves, twigs, bark and other undergrowth, and cutting long grass and weeds, and overgrown vegetation that can pose a risk. Any additional green waste can be disposed of at one of Council’s transfer stations.
Due to heavy rainfall and lower temperatures, CFA have not yet declared the fire danger period for Baw Baw Shire. CFA are issuing a timely reminder to communities to clean up their properties and plan for what their family would do in the event of a bushfire.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer for CFA District 9, Trevor Roberts, stresses the importance of listening to CFA advice around preparing properties and planning for bushfires.
ACFO Roberts continues to remind communities not to expect a fire truck at every house during a large scale bushfire event and encourages us that we all play a key role in keeping ourselves and others safe.
For more information about the Fire Danger Period, including the restriction dates as they are announced, please visit the CFA website.
Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe
“As the summer season approaches, it is very important that everyone in our community is aware of their responsibilities in helping reduce the risk of a potential bushfire.
We’re asking residents and property owners across Baw Baw to inspect their properties and remove any excess fuel loads in and around the home that could be deemed a potential fire risk.
Council’s Emergency Management Team and the CFA are happy to provide our residents and property owners with advice to help them prepare for the upcoming Fire Danger Period.”