With summer almost upon us, with the recent warm weather and good rainfall, the grass growth around the municipality will increase rapidly and will need to be cut.
Greater Shepparton City Council municipal fire prevention officer, Colin Kalms said “Everyone needs to be aware of their responsibilities to maintain their properties, particularly those in areas where grass fires can quickly take hold.”
Owners should cut back or reduce fine fuels including long or excessive grass and weeds and continue to maintain their properties throughout the year. In rural areas, creating and maintaining fire breaks will assist in reducing the intensity of a fire if it occurred, as fine fuels are responsible for the major increase in fire intensity and spread.
Notices to Comply require owners to reduce the excessive grass and weeds across the entire property. Fire Prevention Notices require the property owner to clean up and reduce fine fuels such as bark, leaves, twigs and long grass either as a fire break or the entire property.
Mr Kalms says with the weather warming up snakes may also become more active. If you have a concern regarding a snake on your property, please contact the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on 136 186 for advice.
