Fire hazards | City of Greater Geelong

Fire hazards

A fire hazard can be any vegetation or other item that has the potential to burn.

Definition of a fire hazard

A Fire Hazard by definition is any thing that by its nature or composition is a fire hazard or is likely to become a fire hazard.

Fire hazards can include things such as:

long dry or dead grass
papers cardboard etc
combustible/flammable materials
fuel such as a pile of tree branch cuttings etc

Fire hazards can be present in rural and residential areas on vacant allotments and in residential properties.

Property inspections

Council Fire Prevention officers conduct inspections across the region throughout the year.

April to October - under Local Law
November - April - under CFA Act and FRV Act

Fire Prevention Notice

Each year properties that are identified as having the potential to cause a fire hazard are served with a Fire Prevention Notice which directs that all properties must meet the specific requirements stated on the Fire Prevention Notice.

If the properties are not maintained to this standard infringements are then issued and the fire hazard removed at the owners expense.

Notices under the Neighbourhood Amenity Local Law may now also be issued outside of the fire season when vacant residential properties do not meet requirements of the Local Law.

Failure to comply with a notice will incur an infringement notice.

Fire prevention costs

To find out the amount owed for Fire Prevention fees you will need to contact our Customer Service Team.

Extensions of time

Extensions of time may be negotiated by contacting the Fire Prevention Officer prior to the expiry date on their notice.

Block clearance service

For all grass cutting/slashing please refer to the Yellow Pages or search online.

We do not:

recommend any specific contractors when ratepayers want to slash their blocks for fire hazard clearance purposes
arrange cutting of grass for you.

Please be advised that if you engage a contractor to cut and/or clear your property for you it remains your responsibility to ensure that the work has been completed satisfactorily prior to the inspection date for the area.

Further you will also need to diligently monitor regrowth and schedule subsequent cuts as necessary to maintain compliance.

Emergencies

Total Fire Ban days

Total Fire Ban days relate to specific zones in Victoria and are declared by the Country Fire Authority.

Emergencies

Fire restriction period

The Country Fire Authority look at the conditions to decide when the fire restriction period or fire danger period should apply.

Emergencies

Fires and incinerators

Burning off on a residential property and the use of incinerators is banned.

Emergencies

Fire Prevention

Our fire prevention unit covers a wide range of issues relating to fire and the safety of the community.

Property Information

Property ownership

Property owners have responsibilities in relation to rates and charges and other activities.

Planning process

Planning permit application types

Impedit fugit voluptates deleniti ex aut adipisci aut.

Emergencies

Be prepared for an emergency

Preparing for a possible emergency is an important way to help protect yourself and your family in the event that one occurs.

We commence preparation for the fire season from late October to the end of December. This consists of roadside slashing on all non-biodiversity roadsides and excludes VicRoads networks.
Information about payment of the following fees can be found on your invoice: Invoice for property clearance by our nominated contractor (minimum amount of $241) The debtor number will be on the invoice. Please quote the debtor number when paying a fee for contractor clearing.
No we will not maintain nature strips on a regular basis. On direction from our Fire Prevention Officer we will remove fire hazards. We will only repair safety issues on established nature strips.
If you require extra time to clear your property you will need to contact the Fire Prevention Department to discuss the matter prior to the expiration date listed on the Fire Prevention Notice. The Fire Prevention Officer will then assess the matter. You can contact our Fire Prevention Department on 03 5272 4494 or 03 5272 5272 and they will pass your message on.