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Whitehorse Council urges residents to be fire ready
30 Oct 2009
Whitehorse residents are encouraged to plan ahead and get ready for this summer’s fire season by ensuring their property is prepared.
Whitehorse Councillor John Koutras said it was important residents realised that just because they lived in metropolitan Melbourne it did not mean they were not at risk from bushfire or a serious grass fire.
“We are preparing Whitehorse for a statewide fire season that is expected to be worse than last year’s and it is important residents are prepared,” Cr Koutras said.
Council officers will inspect properties throughout November to ensure long grass and any materials that may pose a fire hazard are removed. If Council officers determine that a property is a fire hazard a fire prevention notice will be sent to the landowner requiring them to remove the fire hazard from their land.
“Apart from the fire risk, overgrown properties look unsightly and may attract snakes and vermin and detract from the amenity of the municipality,” Cr Koutras said.
To prepare your property residents should:
- Clean gutters and move wood piles away from your home
- Keep grass cut and remove leaves and twigs
- Ensure your hoses can reach all areas of your property
- Trim overhanging branches
Residents should be aware that if a notice is not complied with, the land may be compulsory cleared and all costs passed onto the property owner, in addition to any fines issued.
“Council recognises the need to plan and prepare to meet local needs, make our communities safer and help protect human life,” Cr Koutras said.
Residents need to make a plan and know what they are going to do in the event of a fire. For more information visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au.
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