Fire danger season is coming, so clean up your property now, Murray Bridge council warns

The Murray Bridge council is reminding residents to clean up their properties in preparation for fire danger season.

Council compliance officers are ready to begin property inspections throughout the district and issue reminder notices to landowners who need to cut long grass and minimise fuel loads before summer.

Fire prevention officer Tony Austin stressed the importance of early preparation to reduce the risk of bushfire, including damage to properties and homes.

“While this time last year we were heading towards a flooding emergency, this year the indicators are that we need to prepare for a scorching hot summer and work hard to keep people safe by reducing the risk of bushfire,” he said.

“At this time of year, as grasses begin to dry out, it’s important landowners are aware of their responsibilities in regard to fire prevention and how they can help keep their families and their communities safe.”

Mr Austin said that in the lead-up to the fire danger season each year, the council audited properties and issued notices – and possibly fines – to property owners with “excessive and non-complying undergrowth” on their land.

“Fire can be absolutely devastating, and if keeping the grass short is one thing we can all do to reduce the risk, then that’s worth doing,” he said.

The state government is also preparing for extra dry and warm conditions this summer.

The preparations include the following:

• adding five new extra aircraft to the Country Fire Service’s aerial firefighting fleet, increasing the number from 26 to 31
• rolling out automatic vehicle location technology for firefighting and emergency service vehicles
• deploying police patrols on total fire days throughout the season, with police monitoring persons of interest throughout the season

The government and CFS also reminded South Australians living in risk areas to ensure they had a proper bushfire survival plan that covered the whole family, including pets.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said recent weather patterns, including an El Niño event and positive Indian Ocean dipole, made the risk of bushfire even greater this season.

“After three wet summers due to La Niña weather patterns, those living in areas prone to fires should take the opportunity to prepare their properties for dryer and warmer conditions, ensure any excess fuel is removed and survival plans are made,” he said.

CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin stressed the practical steps that people needed to take before fire danger season began in the Murraylands on a date yet to be announced, but likely in November.

“Now is the time to clean up around your property, remove flammable materials that are around your home, clear your gutters and mow your lawns,” he said.

• More information on compliance: Phone the Murray Bridge council on 8539 1100 or visit www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au.
• More information on fire safety and prevention: www.cfs.sa.gov.au.

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