Prepare your property now for the coming fire season

Published on 10 September 2020

Gannawarra Shire residents are encouraged to remove or reduce any potential fire risks on their properties now in readiness for the coming fire season.

With the Fire Danger Period to be declared in the coming weeks, residents are encouraged to act early and prepare for what is predicted to be another high fire danger season.

“With residents currently at home due to COVID-19 restrictions and the weather warming up, now is the best time to prepare your property for summer,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Above-average rainfall in August has created ideal conditions for the growth of vegetation on vacant blocks. This growth has, in the past, led to a heightened fire danger risk during spring and summer, with now the ideal time to act.”

To assist with efforts, the Country Fire Authority is promoting Property Preparation Month during September, with its website featuring activities Victorians can undertake now before the bushfire season.

“Any works undertaken to clear vegetation on vacant blocks and areas surrounding your dwellings now will assist the community’s efforts to reduce the fire risk,” Mayor Learmonth said.

For further information, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property

Meanwhile, in the interest of community safety, Council staff will soon commence fire hazard inspections, focusing on vacant blocks and areas that surround dwellings throughout the Gannawarra.

Landowners can be fined under the CFA Act for matters relating to failing to comply with Fire Prevention Notices and breaching conditions of Permits to Burn issued during the Fire Danger Period.