With summer on the horizon, the City of Gosnells is urging residents to be prepared for bushfire season and ensure they have an action plan in case of an emergency.
Rangers have begun inspecting properties throughout the City to ensure they comply with the Annual Fire Hazard Reduction Notice requirements.
More than 47,000 property owners receive the notice with their rates each year, which describes the steps landowners must take to reduce bushfire risk.
By 30 November each year, owners or occupiers of properties zoned ‘General Rural’ and ‘Special Rural’ must install firebreaks or slash and clear their lots to keep their land free of flammable material higher than 10cm. This includes dry vegetation, wood, prunings, cardboard and other general rubbish or combustible material.
All other properties must be cleared and maintained free of flammable material higher than 10cm all year round.
Mayor David Goode said last season Rangers inspected 44,754 properties for fire hazard compliance and the majority of residents did the right thing.
“As a whole the community is very good at meeting requirements and reducing the risk of bushfire,” he said.
“However, of the 700-plus property owners issued with a work order, one in five failed to undertake the work required to reduce the risk of bushfire and were subsequently issued with an infringement.
“Fire safety is a very serious matter, so it is concerning that a significant number of property owners are still willing to jeopardise the safety of others.”
There are a number of ways residents can reduce the risk of bushfire to their home including:
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Keep grass around properties to 10cm or less
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Prune shrubs to ensure a 2m gap around houses and other structures
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Maintain gutters and keep the roof clear of leaves
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Ensure firebreaks and driveways are maintained to a minimum of 3m wide and 4m high to allow firetrucks easy access to properties
Property owners who do not comply with the City’s firebreak and other requirements may be infringed or prosecuted. Hazard reduction work may be carried out by the City at the property owner’s expense.
The City is also reminding residents that permits to burn are required until 30 November. From 1 December the Prohibited Burning Period will commence, which runs until 31 March.
For more information, please visit the City’s website www.gosnells.wa.gov.au or call 9397 3000.
Photo credit: City of Gosnells
Photo caption: A planned burn in Martin during October 2020.
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