Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Friday, 20 November, 2020. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Fire danger period commences Monday

The CFA Fire Danger Period continues throughout summer until withdrawn by the CFA and restricts activities in the community to help prevent the risk of fires.

Landowners should take immediate steps to reduce the risk of fire on their property and ensure it is well maintained throughout the season.

Once the Fire Danger Period has been declared you cannot light a fire in the open air without a permit or comply with certain requirements. If you don't obtain a permit, you could be breaking the law and may be prosecuted. Permits must be obtained from the CFA, Council does not issue permits.

Greater Shepparton City Council Acting Manager, Planning, Building and Compliance, Patricia Garraway, says it is important landowners deal with any fire risks as soon as possible.

“Potential fire hazards are a danger not only to the landowner’s property but also to their neighbours and their property, to livestock, crops and pets. We are entering a long, dry summer and the time to act is now.”

“Vacant residential land should have fine fuel loads reduced by slashing and mowing grass, cleaning up leaves and twigs and removing any rubbish. Rural land should have sufficient fire breaks and all firefighting equipment should be serviced and ready to go,” said Ms Garraway.

Ms Garraway would like to remind landowners that trees and shrubs cannot be removed without consent from Council’s Planning department. “If you have already completed works, thank you for being proactive and please continue to maintain your land to protect everyone in the community from potential fire hazards,” said Ms Garraway.

More information can be found on the CFA website.

The Fire Ready Kit is a detailed and comprehensive resource. It is designed to help you plan for survival, beginning with the basics of preparing before the fire season, through to planning what to do if fire is in your area and you cannot leave. More information on Fire Ready Kit can be found here.