General News
12 December, 2022
Fire restrictions announced for Pyrenees Shire
Pyrenees Shire Council is asking residents to prepare their properties for summer as the weather slowly starts to warm up ahead of the Fire Danger Period (FDP). The slower start to summer and a wetter than average spring has seen grass grow quickly...
Pyrenees Shire Council is asking residents to prepare their properties for summer as the weather slowly starts to warm up ahead of the Fire Danger Period (FDP).
The slower start to summer and a wetter than average spring has seen grass grow quickly, with warmer weather over the weekend showing it won’t take long for grasses and paddocks to dry out.
“While it’s been a wet and soggy start to summer this year, there is still a risk of fire danger through the summer period,” said Pyrenees Shire Council mayor Ron Eason.
Sustained warmer weather predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology during January and February mean that long, dry grass will provide lots of dry fuel for potential fires in the warmer months.
“The wet conditions and spring sun have encouraged fast vegetation growth, so now is the time to prepare your property to reduce the spread and intensity of a possible fire,” Cr Eason said.
The CFA has declared the FDP for the Pyrenees, both North and South will start at 1 am on Monday, December 19.
Making sure your property is prepared before the FDP is declared is important. You can make sure your property is ready for summer by
• keeping grass 10 cm or shorter in length,
• cleaning your gutters regularly,
• removing flammable items from decks and verandas,
• removing dry leaves, twigs and other fire hazards,
• pruning shrubs and trees, and
• moving woodpiles away from your house.
Even if you don’t live in the bush, your family and your home is still at risk of fire. Property owners can take advantage of free green waste disposal at all council transfer stations when cleaning up.
“In the shire we have free green waste disposal for residents and ratepayers, making it easier to keep your property well maintained and fire ready this summer. This is a great resource for all our residents to use year-round,” Cr Eason said.
Reducing the vegetation around your home will help keep you, your family, and the community safe. This is your responsibility, and council will issue and enforce fire hazard removal notices to property owners when required, potentially resulting in hefty fines.
“The floods in October and November were devastating for our residents. It’s important that we do what we can to make this summer a little safer for you and your families,” said Cr Eason.
Check out www.cfa.vic.gov.au for more information and resources to help you get fire ready.
To find out when the Fire Danger Period is for the Pyrenees region, keep checking the CFA’s website: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-danger-period-restrictions.