The City of Greater Geelong is urging residents to commence preparations for the upcoming fire season, particularly by cutting grass and trimming vegetation.
The City delayed its annual fire season inspection program due to the wet spring and will now begin inspections on Monday 19 December 2022.
The delay of the inspection program means that property owners have been given more time than in previous years to maintain their properties or vacant land.
The program sees City staff issuing around 2000 fire prevention notices requiring property owners to address fire risks on private property. If properties are not maintained to the required standard, infringements are issued, and the fire hazard removed at the owner’s expense.
The best way to minimise fire risk is by reducing reduce fuel loads from around the property. This includes tidying leaves, twigs, bark, and other undergrowth, and cutting long grass and weeds, and overgrown vegetation that can pose a risk. Any additional green waste can be disposed of at one of Council’s transfer stations in Geelong or Drysdale.
The City has agreed to extend current Permits to Burn to sunset on Tuesday 20 December 2022. The extension is for all current permits, not new applications
The extension is to provide ratepayers with more time to remove any potential fire hazards from their properties.
