Wodonga Council will begin inspecting properties for fire hazards from Monday, December 19, when the fire danger period officially begins.
Owners or occupiers of properties that are overgrown or contain derelict cars or other hazards that prevent a fire risk are required to clean up as soon as possible.
The council’s Team Leader Compliance Craig McClanahan said removing fuel such as long grass, overhanging trees and flammable items near buildings could prevent a tragedy this summer.
“Any property that is overgrown and not well kept can be at greater risk of fire and the bigger the pile, the more intensely the fire will burn,” he said.
“It’s important that people clean up, not only for their own safety but also for their neighbours.”
Council officers will inspect properties and where a fire risk is identified, owners or occupiers will be required to remove vegetation and debris and dispose of it correctly.
“We’re not out there just to hand out fines, we’re there to reduce the risk to the community by reducing hazards and we hope people will do the right thing,” Mr McClanahan said.
However, those who refuse to comply with directions will be fined $1849 and required to pay for their properties to be cleaned up.
The start of the Fire Danger Period also means people will not be able to conduct burn-offs without a permit from the Country Fire Authority.
For more information about regulations during the Fire Danger Period, visit the CFA’s website.
Mr McClanahan urged the community not to be complacent about the fire risk, despite the recent flooding.
“While it’s still quite green out there, a few hot days will quickly dry out fuel loads and become a serious risk,” he said.
Anyone requiring more information about protecting their property from fire this summer can contact Wodonga Council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officer on (02) 6022 9300 or visit the council website.