|
|
 |
| A A Larger text |
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
Page Last Updated:
Thursday, 4 October 2012
|
|
|
|
|
Home>Fire prevention & emergency management>Fire Prevention>Preparing for the Fire Season
Colac Otway Shire acknowledges that successful fire prevention is acheived through co-operation and partnership with our local community.
We live in an area where the risk of fire over the summer and autumn months is a real threat. All property owners have an obligation to themselves, their neighbours and the community to ensure that their property is not a fire hazard by ensuring properties are clear of long grass, tree and garden waste throughout the Fire Danger Period. We all have a responsibility to minimise the risk of fire.
It is important to note that reducing the fire hazard on your property is only one part of being prepared for a fire event. Developing a Bushfire Survival Plan for your family that focuses on the preservation of life as the priority is critical. More information on how to develop a Bushfire Survival Plan for your family can be found on the CFA Website.
| | | |
| The Declared Fire Danger Period (FDP) | | The Fire Danger Period (FDP) in the Colac Otway Shire commences on 1 November.
Due to favourable growing conditions across Victoria there is an above average risk for grassfires for the 2012/2013 fire season
The declaration of the FDP is made by the CFA under the authority of the Country Fire Authority Act and it has a general prohibition on burning off and controls industrial and personal use of fire. Media releases and advertisements will be placed in the local newspaper prior to the commencement of the Fire Danger Period.
Dates for commencing and ending the Fire Danger Period can differ between municipalities, so enquiries shoud always be made with the local Council of the CFA if you intend to burn during spring or summer months. For up-to-date information on the FDP and the restrictions that apply during that period, please contact Council on 03 5232 9400 or visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au.
No burning off is permitted during the Fire Danger Period unless a Schedule 13 Permit has been obtained. While the Colac Otway Shire is authorised to issue these permits, they will generally not be approved from late December to the end of February. Permit holders must comply with the conditions of the permit as non-compliance with the Country Fire Authority Act attracts hevay penalties.
| |
| Preparing Your Property for the Fire Danger Period | | Preparing your property for the Fire Danger Period (FDP) is vital for giving the best chance of survival of life and property during wildfire. Fire prevention is a shared responsibilty between the community and government agencies, including Colac Otway Shire, DSE and CFA.
Council have a number of programs to assist with ensuring the municipality is prepared for the fire season. This includes slashing Council roadsides and carrying out an annual inspection program to identify properties that may have vegetation that does or may pose a hazard in the event of a fire occuring.
Many residents are unsure of what they should do to properly prepare their property, but is is not difficult and there is a range of information available on what to do. This information can be provided by your local brigade, CFA office or by visiting www.cfa.vic.gov.au. Residents who are unable to carry out the work to prepare their property can employ a contractor to do the work on their behalf, a list of local contractors is available here.
| |
| |
|