Politics & Council
16 November, 2023
Council officers check property fire safety
LODDON Shire fire prevention officers have started checks of properties following the introduction of fire restrictions across the region on Monday. Council says staff will inspect properties to “identify whether landowners are maintaining...
LODDON Shire fire prevention officers have started checks of properties following the introduction of fire restrictions across the region on Monday.
Council says staff will inspect properties to “identify whether landowners are maintaining appropriate levels of vegetation and reducing fuel loads, particularly in high-risk areas”.
“Landowners who have excess vegetation, that is, large amounts of branches piled up or long grass or debris, will be issued with a fire prevention notice.
“A fire prevention notice is a reminder for the property owner to reduce the fire risk at their place. Landowners typically have 14 days to comply with the notice or make contact with council to discuss the issue.”
Council said if the hazard was not removed, it would organise for a contractor to enter the premises and remove the fire hazard. “If council has to arrange a contractor to remove fire hazards, it will be completed at the landowner’s cost, plus a $110 administrative cost,” council said.
Fire restrictions started in the Loddon and Buloke Shires on Monday.
CFA District 20 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andrew Dixon said recent rainfall has led to increased growth in grass and crops. “This is of particular concern to our firefighters, and we urge all property owners to take appropriate measures to reduce this risk,” he said.