Preparing your Family and Property for Fire Season

The Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner has identified Bushfire Prone Areas as being subject, or likely to be subject, to bushfire attack.

Around 52% of our Shire is declared bushfire prone. This means additional planning and building requirements may apply to developments on your land. A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment and/or a Bushfire Management Plan may be required.

You can check if your land is bushfire prone on the Map of Bush Fire Prone Areas website here. 

It’s important to plan ahead for emergency situations, especially if you live in areas prone to natural disasters. It could save you and your family’s life. The DFES website provides you with simple advice and directs you to resources where you can find practical actions to prepare for and survive during a range of emergencies.

Click below to go to the DFES Website and found out how to be prepared:

Hazard reduction

Firebreaks are only one part of fire prevention. Hazard reduction activities will also help you be better prepared for an emergency. 

You don’t need to remove all your vegetation as this would seriously impact the environment. Some plants and trees can provide a buffer from strong winds, intense heat and flying embers during a bushfire.

You can reduce hazards by:

  • Hand clearing.
  • Mechanical clearing.
  • Chemical spraying.
  • Hazard reduction burning.
  • Keeping grass short and green, and removing clippings.

Follow our hazard reduction program

May - August

  • Tree Pruning - remove lower branches, check that power lines are clear. We recommend using a professional contractor.
  • Clear long grass, leaves, twigs, and flammable shrubs from directly around your house.
  • Store petrol and other flammables away from your house.
  • Check your firefighting equipment is in good working order and service it when required.
  • Share your emergency plan (including evacuation routes) with everyone living in your house and with your neighbours.
  • Apply chemical spray to your firebreaks and low fuel zones (two applications).

September - November

  • Move stacked wood and timber at least 20 metres away from your house.
  • Keep grass short.
  • Clean gutters and roof debris.
  • Install your firebreaks.
  • Apply chemical spray to your firebreaks and low fuel zones (final application).
  • Review your family’s emergency plan, remembering your pets and livestock.

November - May

  • Water lawns, trees and shrubs near your buildings.
  • Check your firefighting equipment is in good working order and service it when required.
  • Clean gutters and roof debris.
  • Maintain your firebreaks.

Be fire safe all year round

  • Ensure firebreaks are prepared.
  • Ensure the planting of windbreaks or trees follows the Fire Hazard Reduction Notice.
  • Make sure that your buildings are safe – fit metal fly screens and shutters, fill gaps in roof and wall spaces, fit fire screens to evaporative air conditioners and see if they can provide a water-only supply.
  • Consider installing external building sprinkler systems and backup power for emergencies.
  • Ensure there is good access to your emergency water supplies and install the correct fittings.