Call to eliminate fire hazards
Strathbogie Shire residents are being urged to clear their land to ensure they are fire safe this summer.
Manager of Compliance at Strathbogie Shire Council, Stuart Lansley said residents were being urged to act now, prior to the start of the fire season. Council will be receiving notification of when fire restrictions come into force within the next two weeks.
"Fire Prevention Officers will be visiting townships and high risk rural areas in the municipality to identify any fire hazards. During October and November, land will be inspected (particularly in townships) to ensure it is safe for the coming fire season."
"Of particular concern are vacant blocks which can ignite and potentially cause damage to a neighbouring property. Our Fire Prevention Plan requires that we carry out this fire hazard work, and I am sure residents understand how important it is, particularly given the horrendous fires in the north-east in recent years.
Mr Lansley said where fire hazards were identified; people could be directed to clear the hazard. If action is not taken, an infringement notice penalty of $200 may be issued, but further penalties could be up to $5000 or imprisonment for 12 months.
Ways to make your house and property fire safe include:
- Keeping grass cut, clearing away fallen leaves and dead undergrowth, tan bark and wood piles near your home
- Cleaning leaves from gutters
- Placing fire-screens on windows to prevent the glass from cracking in radiant heat
- Placing weather stripping around the inside of doors and windows
- Making sure that you have access to adequate water supplies, such as tanks, dams, swimming pools or water reserves
- Installing a sprinkler system around your home
- Gathering appropriate fire safety equipment such as ladders, hoses, buckets, mops, portable water pumps, rake, a torch, and a knapsack spray unit to put out small "spot" fires
- Planting a protective shield of trees, which don't burn easily, around the house to slow the wind, cut down radiant heat and catch flying embers and sparks from a bushfire
- Planting trees and shrubs away from your home
For more information: Marli Kelly on 0409 410 178 - 8 October 2007
For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858