Residents taking heed of fire dangers

Long grass can be a fire hazard.

THIRTY-FOUR Dandenong residents were slapped with orders to clean up their properties in the lead-up to the current fire season.
Officers inspected 1170 properties across the municipality over five days in November last year.
Following the inspections Greater Dandenong’s Director Planning, Design and Amenity Jody Bosman said 34 notices were issued to properties to slash grass or create a fire break around the property’s boundary.
“A further two days were taken to follow up on the 34 notices, resulting in only two infringements being issued for non-compliance,” Mr Bosman said.
“This was a remarkable decrease from the two previous fire seasons. In 2013-14 36 infringements were issued for non-compliance and in 2014-15 14 notices were issued.
“It shows that people are taking fire prevention seriously and are willing to do what they need to protect themselves and their properties.
“We have seen some devastating weather conditions in Victoria this summer and this is a warning for us all not to be complacent about the threat of fire, even in urban areas.”
In 2015 in the Dandenong, Springvale, Keysborough and Noble Park areas alone, the CFA attended 3973 incidents.
These incidents included fires relating to building, outside rubbish, vegetation and vehicles.
“These figures show us how important it is for council to work closely with residents and owners within the municipality to ensure they continue to comply and prepare for each fire season in accordance with each property’s needs,” Mr Bosman said.
Visit http://www.greaterdandenong.com/document/13004/fire-safety for more information about being fire safe in Greater Dandenong.