After an unusually hot October and an early start to the bushfire season, residents are being urged to have properties readied now.
Whittlesea council’s fire prevention officer, Dave Foster, said many people were not prepared for the coming fire-risk months with three-quarters of residents living next to vacant lots or parks not having a fire plan.
“This is very concerning. Now is the best time to plan, not when a fire starts,” Mr Foster said.
The council’s fire-hazard inspections are already under way for the year, and people who don’t address fire dangers on their properties face fines of up to $1544.
Mr Foster said residents could prepare for the danger months ahead by keeping grass on their properties short, clearing gutters and pruning trees away from buildings.
In rural areas, the advice is to maintain a fire break around properties at least 20 metres wide.
“Be proactive this season, not reactive,” Mr Foster said.
“This season, we face the threat of fire in grassland not just on the urban fringe but also in those areas between the city and the fringe,” he added.
By Samantha Walker
