Residents urged to prepare their property ahead of bushfire season

Ararat Rural City residents are encouraged to prepare their properties for the upcoming fire season, following a hotter and drier start to spring.

Council has a legal obligation to reduce the risk of fire, meaning Council’s Fire Prevention Officers will start conducting property inspections across the municipality once the Fire Danger Period has been declared.

Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison emphasised that planning and preparing for the fire season is a shared responsibility among Council, authorities, and residents.

“Council strongly encourages residents to prepare now; start with a clean-up around the property and ensure they have an updated fire survival plan in place,” Dr Harrison said.

“Spring marks a high growth period for vegetation. For those needing assistance with maintaining their property, Council has a list of fire prevention contractors that can help with the clean-up.

“Safety starts in your own backyard - we each have a role to play in making our properties fire-safe ahead of summer to protect the wider community and our environment.”

Tips for cleaning up include:

· Keeping the grass on and around your property to a low and neat level (under 100mm in height)

· Ensure trees are not overhanging on buildings

· Collect and remove leaves, small branches and other fine fuels from your property

· Remove leaf litter from roofs and gutters

· Have plans in place for your family in the event of an emergency

Some useful resources to assist with planning for emergencies can be found below.