Night fuel
Fire service warns of approaching season
08 September 2010
published by www.wellingtontimes.com.au
Australia: With the weather warming up Wellington residents, both in town and out, are being urged to make sure their homes are protected against bush fires.
The Bushfire Danger Period begins on October 1 and Wellington Rural Fire Service (RFS) training officer Mark Moroney has warned that though the recent rainfall has been welcomed, it could have a disastrous effect come bushfire season.
The rain means that lawns and vegetation have grown more than they usually would have had we not had this rain, Mr Moroney said.
People need to be aware of this because once it gets drier during summer, the vegetation becomes a high-fuel load and a major hazard to homes and properties.
He has urged residents to keep their lawns mown during bushfire season and to monitor the amount of vegetation in adjoining areas around the house.
This includes cutting back trees on the property, cutting down branches that hang over the house and removing leaves from the gutters, Mr Moroney said. Wood piles and other timber can also become a major hazard in the drier seasons. Residents need to make sure that wood piles are kept well away from the house or from sheds.
Mr Moroney also warns residents of the dangers present in vacant land.
If there is a vacant block of land or small paddock adjoining your house please contact the owner of this lot and make sure they monitor the vegetation on their property. These vacant lots, if not properly maintained, can become major hazards for the adjoining properties.
Mr Moroney also warned that if residents need to burn off hazards on their properties they must seek permission from Wellington Council.
Council has a strict no burning policy for the town area, Mr Moroney said.
If you wish to burn off potential hazards you need to get a hazard reduction certificate from the council and notify the Wellington fire brigade so that we can inspect the property.
Only after the brigade has given the go ahead can residents get a permit to burn-off on their properties.
Mr Moroney also reminded residents whether they live in or out of town if there is a fire on your property call Triple 0 straight away.
