Are you bushfire ready?

Wednesday, 24 October 2018 07:31

With summer only weeks away, land owners are being reminded to make sure their properties are bushfire safe.

City of Mandurah CEO Mark Newman said preparing for the fire season is a shared responsibility between the City of Mandurah, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and residents.

“The City manages a range of preventative initiatives aimed to help residents be better prepared in case the unthinkable happens. These include prescribed burning, fire management plans, vegetation management strategies, fire breaks, community education and enforcement.

“Preventative measures not only help reduce the risk to life and property, but also protects our valued ecology which can be devastated by high intensity bushfires,” Mr Newman said.

Properties larger than 2023m2 are required to install and maintain fire breaks between 17 November 2018 to 31 May 2019.

Firebreaks must be 4m wide with a 4.2m vertical clearance around the inside boundaries of the property
The area needs to be clear of flammable material and anything that could block a fire truck accessing the property
Residents are also asked to discuss whether they would stay and defend their property or leave and make a plan.

Owners of properties smaller than 2023m2 are required to remove all dead wood and flammable material. Grass longer than 4cm needs to be cut.

Residents who unable to install firebreaks must contact the City and apply for a Firebreak Variation. Variations must be received in writing by 1 November 2018.

Anyone who doesn’t comply with the bushfire regulations, could face a maximum penalty of $10,000 plus costs.

For more information visit www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/services/rangers/fire-control-and-prevention.