Are you ready for fire and heat?
Benalla Rural City 11 Oct 2018
Are you ready for fire and heat?

Published on 08 October 2018

Long grass, dry leaves, debris and blocked gutters all require attention in advance of the fire and heat season.

It is the responsibility of the owner or occupier to ensure their property is ready for fire and heat, with recommendations including:

grass being less than 70mm high raking up dry grass, leaves and other debris keeping gutters clear of leaf litter storing flammable liquids and woodpiles away from the house storing LPG cylinders upright with the vent pipe facing away from the house detailing your Bushfire Survival Plan

The Council is responsible for reminding property owners to prepare for fire and heat under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958, which includes Council officers being authorised to inspect private land and serve Fire Prevention Notices, which direct owners or occupiers of land to take measures against fire hazards.

Fire inspections have commenced and will continue through the warmer months.

The Fire Danger Period is announced by the Country Fire Authority. Acting Mayor Cr Peter Davis said that it’s important to be prepared for heat well in advance of summer.

“With current conditions having been dry over the winter months, it is critical that the community is prepared for unexpected heat in the lead up to summer,” said Cr Davis.

“Fire prevention and reducing the risk of bushfire is everyone’s responsibility.”