A fire hazard can be any vegetation or other item that has the potential to burn.
Definition of a fire hazard
A Fire Hazard by definition is any thing that by its nature or composition is a fire hazard or is likely to become a fire hazard.
Fire hazards can include things such as:
- long, dry or dead grass
- papers, cardboard, etc
- combustible/flammable materials
- fuel such as a pile of tree branch cuttings, etc
Fire hazards can be present in rural and residential areas on vacant allotments and in residential properties.
Property inspections
Council Fire Prevention officers conduct inspections across the region throughout the year.
- April to October - under Local Law
- November - April - under CFA Act and FRV Act
Fire Prevention Notice
Each year, properties that are identified as having the potential to cause a fire hazard are served with a Fire Prevention Notice which directs that all properties must meet the specific requirements stated on the Fire Prevention Notice.
If the properties are not maintained to this standard, infringements are then issued and the fire hazard removed at the owner's expense.
Notices under the Neighbourhood Amenity Local Law may now also be issued outside of the fire season when vacant residential properties do not meet requirements of the Local Law.
Failure to comply with a notice will incur an infringement notice.
Fire prevention costs
If the Fire Prevention Unit issues a Fire Prevention Notice to an owner or occupier of land and the Fire Prevention Notice is not complied with then the land owner or occupier may be subjected to a fine of $1923 dollars
Extensions of time
A one week extension may be granted if extenuating circumstances exist The land owner /occupier must contact the Fire Prevention Office prior to the expiry date on their notice.
Block clearance service
For all grass cutting/slashing please refer to the Yellow Pages or search online.
We do not:
- recommend any specific contractors when ratepayers want to slash their blocks for fire hazard clearance purposes
- arrange cutting of grass for you.
Please be advised that if you engage a contractor to cut and/or clear your property for you, it remains your responsibility to ensure that the work has been completed satisfactorily prior to the inspection date for the area.
Further, you will also need to diligently monitor regrowth and schedule subsequent cuts as necessary to maintain compliance.