Compliance Officers for The Rural City of Murray Bridge are ready to begin property inspections throughout the district, and issue reminder notices to landowners who need to cut long grass and minimise fuel loads before summer hits.
Fire Prevention Officer Tony Austin said early preparation was key for reducing the risk of bushfire, along with potential damage to properties and homes.
“We live in a land of extremes and while this time last year we were heading towards a flooding emergency, this year the indicators are that we need to prepare for a scorching hot summer and work hard to keep people safe by reducing the risk of bushfire,” he said.
“At this time of year, as grasses begin to dry out, its important landowners are aware of their responsibilities in regard to fire prevention and how they can help keep their families and their communities safe.
“Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility and we all have a role to play.”
Mr Austin said the Council conducted an audit of properties every year in the lead up to Fire Danger Season and property owners found to have excessive and non-complying undergrowth on their land would be issued with notices to reduce the fuel load.
“We encourage property owners to comply with Council notices to reduce fuel loads, as we really don’t want to be in a position where we need to issue fines for non-compliance,” he said.
“Council takes fire prevention very seriously and a little bit of extra effort now can make all the difference at the peak of summer when conditions are ripe for bushfire to take hold.
“Fire can be absolutely devastating and if keeping the grass short is one thing we can all do to reduce the risk, then that’s worth doing.
“Council currently has two slashers out taking care of long grass on our roadsides.”
Fire Danger Season is expected to begin in November and finish in April – exact dates will be announced by the Country Fire Service (CFS) before then.
For more information on compliance phone Council on 8539 1100 or visit https://www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/services/your-safety/fireandburning .
For more information about fire safety and prevention visit https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/home.jsp
