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Fire Safety Focus On Rural Land OwnersThis summer, rural land owners and managers are reminded they must take steps to prepare their properties for the fire season. By Bass Coast - 16th December 2011 - Back to News This means taking responsibility for their own fire safety and for the safety of those living, working or visiting their property.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Emergency Management Coordinator, James Bremner, said Council and the Country Fire Authority are reminding rural landowners to be fire ready.
"Rural land owners have a responsibility to prevent unplanned fires starting and escaping from their land. Where practical and environmentally responsible, rural landowners and managers should have fuel breaks both internally and around the perimeter of their property.
"Slashed or mown fuel breaks are the most common types of breaks and should be at least five metres wide. They will not stop a fire, but provide a buffer for nearby homes, reduce the potential fire intensity and can provide access for fire-fighters," said Mr Bremner.
Damien O’Connor, CFA’s Bass Coast Group Officer said the size and type of fire break should take into account fuel loads and land use in neighbouring properties.
"In particular, it is of great importance to stop the spread of fire from rural land in to residential developments," continued Mr O’Connor.
Mr Bremner said if necessary, Council could issue a Fire Prevention Notice under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 to ensure fire break works were completed as required.
"Landowners and managers planning any burning off as part of their clean up must follow Council’s Burning off Guidelines for Rural Property Owners. It is also really important that they contact VicFire to register their burn.
"While land owners need to get ready for the fire season now, they also need to maintain their land throughout the year," said Mr Bremner.
"This means minimising fuel around their property as part of a year round maintenance and fire prevention program. It is also important to maintain access to their property, any assets and water for fire fighting," concluded Mr Bremner.
For more information please visit Burning off Guidelines for Rural Property Owners or contact the Community Safety team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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