Municipal Fire Prevention

Fire is a natural part of our environment and totally avoiding them is not possible. However; as a community, we all have a responsibility to be prepared for fire.

Golden Plains Shire works with the community through the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee to develop a Municipal Fire Prevention Plan. This plan identifies the greatest fire risks in the Shire and how they are to be managed to minimise the impact of fire on the community.

The tragic events of February 7th, 2009 have brought issues of community fire preparedness and fire management into sharp focus. There has been much media coverage fuelling community fear of fire and its consequences.

In light of the event, Council will continue to implement its annual fire prevention program, liaise with CFA and DSE and implement the requirements of the Golden Plains Planning Scheme Wildfire Management Overlay.

Municipal Fire Prevention

Golden Plains Shire has an obligation to contribute towards community fire safety. Council recognises the potential threat fire poses to the community and aims to reduce this threat by developing and implementing the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan.

The plan is aimed at ensuring the individuals and organisations within Golden Plains Shire are aware of potential fire risks and understand their roles and responsibilities for mitigating these risks.

Municipal Fire Prevention Plan 2009

Council has developed a Frequently Asked Questions Information Sheet to assist residents with understanding Council's role in fire prevention.  Click on the link below.

Fire Management FAQs

Council is participating in the Integrated Fire Management Plan (IFMP) process being undertaken by the Country Fire Authority to better manage fire across the municipal area.

The Municipal Fire Prevention Officer (MFPO) is Council's Executive Officer to the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee and oversees the implementation of the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan. The MFPO also conducts inspections of properties across the Shire and issues Fire Prevention Notices to ensure that all fire hazards are reduced.

The MFPO will:

• Inspect property
• Issue Fire Prevention Notices
• Oversee the implementation of the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan, including preparation of Municipal Strategic Firebreaks
• Issue permits for open air burning during the proclaimed Fire Danger Period by individuals and CFA Brigades

Fire Prevention Notices

Council Municipal Fire Prevention Officers conduct inspections of private properties prior to the Fire Danger Period to assess them for fire hazards. Properties deemed to be a high fire risk (e.g. long uncut grass) to either themselves or their immediate neighbours are issued with a Fire Prevention Notice instructing the landholder to carry out certain works to reduce the risk. Landholders are given a period to comply before a second round of inspections are conducted. Council will enter land and carry out fire hazard reduction works when landholders do not comply with their Fire Prevention Notice and bill the cost of the works back to the owner.

If you have further questions about Fire Prevention Notices, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page below.

Fire Prevention Notice FAQs

Fire Restrictions

The CFA introduces Fire Restrictions (Fire Danger Period) for all private land in Golden Plains Shire over the summer period each year. During this period residents are required to obtain a permit to burn in the open air.

Fire restrictions will be in force in Golden Plains Shire from 1:00am on Monday 23rd November, 2009 until 12pm on Saturday 1st of May, 2010 unless otherwise posted.

See the CFA website (www.cfa.vic.gov.au) or the CFA Information - Can I or Can't I brochure (CFA Information - CAN I OR CAN'T I? (214 kb)) for more information on fire restrictions during the Fire Danger Period.

Permits to Burn

To obtain an application form for a permit to burn in the open air, contact either of Council's customer service centres or click on the link below.

Permit to Burn Application Form

Planned Fuel Reduction Burns

Golden Plains Shire is planning to conduct a fuel reduction burn in the Bannockburn Industrial Estate to reduce fine fuels associated with introduced grasses and woody weeds.  The burn will be conducted with the generous assistance of the Bannockburn CFA Brigade. Copies of the Burn Plan and Burn Map can be found below.

Bannockburn Industrial Estate Burn Plan

Bannockburn Industrial Estate Burn Map

Incinerators & Burning Off

The use of properly constructed incinerators is permitted in Golden Plains Shire. However, before lighting an incinerator or burning off, consider your neighbours. Try to burn off on days when the wind is blowing away from your neighbour's home and when they don't have washing on the line. Always supervise your burning and ensure you fire is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended.

No fires are permitted in the open air during the declared Fire Danger Period (fire restriction period) without a permit. You can contact Council's Municipal Fire Prevention Officer to apply for a permit, however due to the high risk associated with burn-offs in the backyard, permits are generally refused. If you need to dispose of garden refuse, you have the option of taking it to the tip or waiting until restrictions are lifted.

Farmers intending to burn crop stubble can apply for permits once the local CFA Group Officers agree to the issuing of permits to burn. This generally occurs in late February to early March.

NO burning is permitted in the open on days of TOTAL FIRE BAN.

More information can be found in the CFA's 'Can I or Can't I?' Information Sheet (CFA Information - CAN I OR CAN'T I? (214 kb)).

Bushfires

Golden Plains is prone to wildfire and it is every resident's responsibility to make sure they are prepared for fire well in advance of the Fire Danger Period. This includes cleaning up all fine fuels such as leaves, twigs and long grass close to the home and having a clear fire plan that is understood by everyone living in your home. Removal of standing trees for fire prevention is not permitted except within 10 metres of your place of accommodation. You should check with Council if you think the trees around your home are a fire hazard.

You should know well in advance of a fire starting if you are going to stay and actively defend a well prepared home or leave early on high fire danger days.

You can learn more about preparing for the fire danger period by joining a CFA Community Fireguard Group. Contact your nearest CFA Regional Office or see the CFA website (www.cfa.vic.gov.au) for more information.

To see the latest CFA Community Fireguard Newsletter click here

Building and living in a fire prone area

Much of Golden Plains Shire is fire prone and a Wildfire Management Overlay (WMO)has been applied through the Planning Scheme recognising this. Constructing a home in an area under the WMO requires that you meet certain building criteria to ensure your home has the best chance of survival in a wildfire event.

Check out the Building in a Wildfire Management Overlay Applicants Kit (CFA Wildfire Management Overlay Applicant's Kit (856 kb) for more information or speak with Councils Planning Department.

Residents are strongly encouraged to educate themselves about fire, fire management and how best to prepare for fire by organising or attending one of the CFA's Fire Ready Victoria sessions. Getting together with your neighbours and forming a CFA Community Fireguard group is another effective way of ensuring you are well prepared for the fire season. The CFA has loads of information and support for landholders who live in fire prone areas. Contact your Regional CFA Office or check out the CFA website (www.cfa.vic.gov.au) for more information.

Country Fire Authority Community Meetings

The CFA is running a series of community meetings and workshops across the Shire to help residents be better prepared for fire. Check the list below for a session near you.

• Inverleigh Bushfire Planning Workshop, Saturday 3^rd October 2009 9.00am to 1.00pm Inverleigh Community Hall. RSVP Required - 1800 198 299
• Teesdale Bushfire Planning Workshop, Saturday 10^th October 2009, 9.00am to 1.00pm, Teesdale Community Hall. Lunch provided. RSVP Required - 1800 198 299
• Rokewood Community Meeting Wednesday 14^th October 2009, 7.30pm Rokewood Memorial Hall.
• Bannockburn Bushfire Planning Workshop Saturday 17^th October 2009, 9.00am to 1.00pm Bannockburn Fire Station. Lunch provided. RSVP required - 1800 198 299
• Meredith Bushfire Planning Workshop, Sunday 18^th October 2009, 9.00am to 1.00pm Meredith Public Hall. Lunch provided. RSVP required - 1800 198 299
• Dereel Bushfire Planning Workshop, Saturday 24^th October 2009, 9.00am to 1.00pm Dereel Community Hall. Lunch provided. RSVP required - 1800 198 299
• Maude Bushfire Planning Workshop, Saturday 31^st October 2009, 9.00am to 1.00pm Maude Tennis Club. Lunch provided. RSVP Required - 1800 198 299

For more information on these sessions in the southern end of the Shire contact the Region 7 CFA Community Education Coordinator Niki Habibis on 52402 700 or 0408 571 914

• Haddon Fire Ready Victoria Community Meeting, Saturday 17^th October, 12:00noon, Haddon Fire Station.
• Smythesdale Fire Ready Victoria Community Meeting, Saturday 24^th October, 11:00am, Smythesdale Fire Station.
• Enfield Fire Ready Victoria Community Meeting, Friday 30^th October, 7:00pm, Harrison Reserve, Woodlands Estate
• Ross Creek Fire Ready Victoria Community Meeting, Saturday 31^st October, 11:00am, Ross Creek Fire Station
• Linton Fire Ready Victoria Community Meeting, Friday 13^th November, 7:30pm, Linton Fire Station
• Haddon Fire Ready Victoria Community Meeting, Friday 20^th November, 6:30pm, Haddon Fire Station
• Scarsdale, Fire Ready Victoria Community Meeting, Saturday 21^st November, 11:00am, Scarsdale Hall
• Berringa Fire Ready Victoria Community Meeting, Monday 23^rd November, 6:30pm, Old Berringa Primary School (Berringa Community Hall)
• Ross Creek Fire Ready Victoria Community Meeting, Friday 27^th November, 6:00pm, Ross Creek Fire Station
• Smythes Creek Fire Ready Victoria Community Meeting, Saturday 28^th November, 12:00 noon, Smythes Creek Fire Station

For more information on these sessions in the northern end of the Shire contact the Region 15 CFA Community Education Coordinator Chris Carey on 5329 5510.

FAQ

1. Can I remove native vegetation for fire prevention purposes?

Vegetation may be removed for fire prevention purposes and is generally subject to a Planning Permit. Native vegetation includes trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses. Please check with Council's Planning Department for specific advice or Council's Planning Scheme clause 52.17 Native Vegetation. Under the 10/30 rule, native trees may be removed from within 10 metres of your dwelling and fine fuels (shrubs, grasses but not trees) removed within 30 metres of your dwelling.

2. Can I burn in the open air during the Fire Danger Period?

Only if you have obtained a permit from the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA to burn off in the open during the Fire Danger Period.

3. Do trees pose a fire risk?

Trees pose the greatest risk when they overhang your house or other buildings. Wildfire will not climb into the tree canopy unless there are adequate ground and elevated fuels to assist it. Removing ground fuels such fallen leaves and grasses dramatically reduces fire intensity and fire risk. Reducing the density of elevated fuels like shrubs reduces fire risk and reduces a wildfire's ability to climb into the canopy. The CFA has some excellent resources to help you manage your property for fire. Contact your CFA Regional Office or check out the CFA website (www.cfa.vic.gov.au) for more information.

4. My neighbour is burning off and the smoke annoys me. What can I do?

Burning off whether in the open or an incinerator is regular practice in rural areas. You may be able to speak with your neighbour and ask if they can burn off when your washing is not on the line or when the wind blows away from your property.

5. I've received a Fire Prevention Notice! What does this mean?

Council Municipal Fire Prevention Officers conduct assessments of private property for fire risk prior to the Fire Danger Period each year. Fire Prevention Notices are issued to properties deemed a fire risk to themselves or their neighbours. You need to follow the instructions on the Notice and maintain your property throughout the Fire Danger Period. If you disagree with your Notice, please contact the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer on 5220 7111.

Fire Prevention Notice FAQs

6. Why aren't roadsides burnt off anymore?

Burning off of roadsides for fuel reduction purposes on municipal roads is carried out under permit by the CFA. Burning of the Municipal Strategic Firebreaks on road reserves is the primary focus of the burning program each year. Other roads are assessed and burnt on a case by case basis. Council relies entirely on the volunteers of local CFA brigades to carry out this important work.

7. Why doesn't Council clean up their roadsides? I think they are a fire risk.

Cleaning up of roadsides to remove fire risk is often touted as a solution to many community fire hazards. Certainly roadsides with vegetation; either native or introduced will carry fire. With less than 2% of land in of the Shire held in road reserves, it forms only a small percentage of the total land that can be subject to fire. Removal of all fine fuels and trees from roadsides is simply not feasible nor desirable. However, Council slashes along the edge of all sealed roads to reduce the likelihood of fires starting on roadsides.

Council's focus is on reducing the fire hazard on private land immediately around resident's assets (your home and outbuildings). This is the most effective way of reducing the hazard of fire in our community by ensuring residents and their homes are adequately prepared for fire.

8. Why doesn't Council allow removal of fallen timber for firewood from road reserves?

Removal of firewood; either fallen or standing timber, from roadsides is not permitted. Removal of firewood sized timber does remove fuel but this size fuel contributes least to fire intensity (radiant heat, flame and ember attack). The major contributor to fire intensity are fine fuels; leaves, twigs and sticks smaller than 5mm (less than the size of your little finger). Generally, people who collect firewood do not want to remove or deal with these fine fuels and these are left behind thereby contributing to an increase in fire intensity.

9. Council needs to remove trees from roadsides so I don't get trapped at my property. The road to my property is my escape route.

Until there is a significant shift in approach from fire authorities across the country, the message will remain the same. Roads are not escape routes. Even if all the trees are removed and fine fuels managed on the roadside, the propensity for people to leave at the last minute will still lead to traffic congestion, collisions, confusion and disorientation possibly with tragic consequences. You should ensure that you leave early to allow yourself time to tackle any delays or unexpected events.

The message from fire authorities is:

Prepare - Prepare your family and home in readiness for wildfire. Residents who have a written fire plan stand a better chance of surviving a wildfire event.

 Act -  Put your fire plan into action.

 Survive - Protection of life is of paramount importance.

The only way to guarantee your survival from wildfire is not to be there when the fire occurs. The safest refuge for residents caught unexpectedly by fire is in their well prepared home, not on the road in their car or even worse, trying to escape on foot.

Check out the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or contact the CFA for more advice.