More than 1000 property owners in Whittlesea warned ahead of fire season
More than 1000 property owners in Whittlesea warned ahead of fire season
19 November 2013
published by www.heraldsun.com.au
Australia — MORE than 1000 property owners have received warnings from Whittlesea Council over dangerous fuel loads on their land, ahead of the fire season.
Fire Action Week began on November 17, with the council and CFA captains urging residents to start preparing their properties and fire plans for summer.
Whittlesea Council municipal fire prevention officers have inspected 10,000 rural and suburban properties across the municipality.
Officer Pat Carra said 75 per cent of residents who lived near vacant land and parks were not prepared for high fire-risk days.
“Despite warnings and devastating fires already occurring interstate, it comes as a surprise that so many owners have such an ill-prepared property,” Mr Carra said.
South Morang CFA captain Lindsay McHugh said it was vital that residents take the time now to clear their properties and set up fire plans ahead of the busy summer period.
Mr McHugh warned of a serious grass fire threat this summer and reminded residents that this year’s Donnybrook Rd grass fire erupted on a regular warm day.
“It only has be high 20s or early 30s for a grass fire threat to become real,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of spring rain and it won’t take much to cure that grass, allowing it to burn.
“Grass fire is always a threat, particularly in the interface areas. Those who live in that area should make sure they clean up and have a plan.”
The CFA has urged residents to attend a fire-ready meeting on Wednesday, November 20, to be held at the park in The Terrace, Mill Park Lakes estate, South Morang.
For more information, go to cfa.vic.gov.au or whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
