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Council undertaking fire-hazard property inspections Latrobe City is currently carrying out its fire hazard inspections with the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer (MFPO) and assistants inspecting all properties for fire risks or potential fire risks. By Latrobe Shire Council - 13th December 2004 - Back to News Latrobe City’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officer, Lance King, said that at this stage all urban townships had been inspected and the program was now underway in the rural urban areas.
"The MFPO is looking at properties that have not been properly prepared for the fire season. Perhaps there is overgrown grass in gardens or paddocks, or there are quantities of combustible material too close to a house.
"Once a property is identified as ‘at risk’, a Fire Prevention Notice is issued. This notice is issued under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958, Section 41 as a Schedule 15 Notice and is designed to make sure the property owner takes the necessary steps to protect both their property and the safety of themselves and their neighbours," Mr King explained.
"Property owners are given two weeks to comply with the notice or they have seven days to object to the notice stating the reasons for the objection."
Mr King added that following the two-week period, a second inspection is undertaken to ascertain the level of compliance with the Fire Prevention Notice.
"If at this time the property does not comply with the notice requirements as issued, the MFPO may arrange for the Council, the fire brigade or contractors to enter the property and take the necessary action to comply with the notice. The Council will then submit an account for the cost of taking this action," Mr King explained.
"Further penalties can also be issued, such as the serving of a fire prevention infringement notice for failing to comply with a notice and in extreme cases court proceedings may be taken against the property owner," Mr King warned.
"It is imperative that all property owners ensure that their homes and land are not at risk from wildfire during the summer months. It is not just your own property you put at risk when the advice is ignored, but those of your neighbours too," Mr King said.
Mr King added that property owners should also ensure that gutters are cleared of leaves, that trees, shrubs or bushes are not planted too close to the home, and that fire safety equipment is well maintained and close to hand.
"There is still time to ensure that all properties are kept in good order for the coming wildfire season. We can all do our bit to keep the grass cut, leaves cleaned out of gutters and ensure that the yard is not full of potential fire hazards," Mr King concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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