Get Ready for Fire Danger Season as Inspections Begin
Published on 02 November 2023
Council is asking property owners to prepare their properties for summer, following this year’s high rainfall which has increased Mansfield Shire’s risk of grass and wildfire.
As Council’s annual fire prevention program begins, property owners are being asked to undertake vegetation management while remaining considerate of their neighbours.
Recommendations include:
- Keeping your grass mowed
- Raking up dry vegetation
- Clearing your gutters
- Storing flammable materials away from the house
- Storing LPG cylinders upright with the vent pipe facing away from your house
- Preparing your bushfire plan using the resources on the CFA website
Council is responsible for ensuring the risk of wildfire is reduced across the Shire and has the authority to inspect private land. In instances where timely works have not been completed, Council may issue a Fire Prevention Directions Notice for landowners to remediate hazards to ensure their property is fire safe.
Senior Coordinator Community Safety, Kevin Murphy, said that everyone had a role to play in keeping our community safe.
“Council takes fire prevention very seriously as we know how devastating fire can be to our community,” said Mr Murphy.
“We understand that recent rainfall events may have delayed some landowner’s preparation works, and this will likely lead to above average grass and vegetation growth.
“Unless addressed in a timely manner, this will present a fire risk to our communities as it dries out coming into the warmer weather.”
In addition to grass and undergrowth greater than 100mm, fire hazards may also include trees and shrubs close to buildings, green-waste piles, and flammable items near buildings or on allotments within township areas.
Before undertaking a burn-off, the CFA should be notified by calling 1800 668 511 or registering the burn on their website - cfa.vic.gov.au/contact/register-your-burnoff.
Further information regarding fire season preparation is also available from a Council pamphlet that will be delivered to properties and is also available at the Municipal Office, the library, the Visitor Information Centre, and other outlets in Mansfield township.
If you have any questions about how to prepare your property, contact Council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officer on 5775 8555 or your local CFA Brigade.