Fire hazard inspections start

East Gippsland Shire Council Fire Prevention Officers will be commencing their fire hazard inspections across the municipality on November 7.

Owners of properties in the shire are required to keep their properties grass cut to maximum height 100 millimetres during the fire season. Along with maintaining the grass it is important to ensure that other fire hazards are removed, including green waste, dry tree branches and dry or dead vegetation, fuel underneath trees and any flammable or burnable material not stored safely.

Keeping the grass cut at lower heights reduces the speed of a fire and will reduce the height of flames should a fire occur. 

Well-maintained properties reduce the risk posed to you, your family and the community.

Council’s Emergency Management Coordinator Shane Turner said if a fire hazard has been detected on an individual property, a Fire Prevention Notice will be issued to the property owner or occupier specifying the work required to reduce the fire risk associated with their property.

“The issuing of Fire Prevention Notices ensures property owners carry out the necessary fire prevention measures to lessen the risk of fire threatening both themselves and their community,” Mr Turner said.

“Maintenance of land is the responsibility of the owner and or occupier, whether he or she is resident or non-resident and must be maintained throughout the fire season. The notice will specify what works are required to remove the fire hazard and give a date by which all clearance works must be completed.”

If you receive a Fire Prevention Notice, it is important that you read the notice carefully and contact Council if you do not understand the notice or wish to discuss:

• Extra time to meet the notice requirements. • Intention of keeping livestock on the property. • Intention of cutting hay.

You must contact the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer on 5153 9500 prior to the date specified on the Fire Prevention Notice.

If you would like to report a fire hazard, please also contact a Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or go to the East Gippsland Shire website to report online.