Is your garden ready for Summer?
Council seek property owners to prepare their properties PRIOR to the Fire Danger Season which commences in November every year.
The Fire Danger Season generally runs from November through to April, although these dates may change due to seasonal conditions. When the dates are declared they can be found on the CFS Website - Fire Danger Season Dates
During October/November Council may send out letters to owners of vacant land or properties that have been identified as containing inflammable undergrowth and has the potential to be a fire hazard.
It is the owners responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent or inhibit the outbreak or spread of fire. In the event that action is not taken, Council may issue notices to properties that fail to undertake hazard reduction.
Vacant blocks may present a higher risk of fire outbreak and spread and should be mowed or slashed to a height of 10cm or less and maintained throughout the fire danger season.
All property Owners are encouraged to:
- keep grass cut to less than 10cm
- cut back overhanging branches and clear undergrowth
- get rid of dry grass, leaves, twigs and loose bark
- removed leaves from gutters
to ensure their properties are prepared for the Summer season.
More information on Fire Danger Season or how to prepare your property can be found on CFS website
- CFS Fact sheet: Preparing your home for bushfires.
Reporting Inflammable undergrowth
Residents who are concerned about local properties that may present as a fire hazard can notify our Community Safety Officer by reporting the property via email regulatory@walkerville.sa.gov.au or contacting the Council Office.
When a property is reported a customer request is sent though to the Planning, Environment and Regulatory Services Team.
A Council Officer will arrange an inspection of the site to determine if a potential fire hazard exists and the property owner will be notified by letter of their responsibilities under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1996. A follow up inspection will be undertaken to ensure works have been undertaken to the satisfaction of the Officer.
An Owner who fails to comply with their obligations to reduce the fire risk, may be issued with a Notice under section 105F of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1996. If action is still not undertaken within the time frame provided the Council may engage a Council Contractor to undertake the works to reduce the fire hazard at your cost. An expiation may also be issued.