Warning to get land fire safe

WITH the warmer weather already here, and this summer expected to be one of the hottest in years, Casey residents have been urged to make sure they reduce fire hazards on their land.
City of Casey manager community safety Brendan Fitzsimmons has reminded property owners of their responsibility.
“It is important that property owners keep their properties fire safe and ensure that grass and weeds do not exceed 30cm in height.
Fire hazard prevention checks should be continued through to March.”
Mr Fitzsimmons said the council continued to work closely with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) regional staff to ensure all practical precautions were made to help eliminate the risk of fire in the community.
“Every property owner, including residential and industrial land owners as well as those in rural areas, has a responsibility for ensuring their areas do not pose a fire hazard, particularly in bush fire season,” Mr Fitzsimmons added.
Property owners who allow their blocks to become fire hazards can be served a Fire Prevention Notice by City of Casey Local Laws Officers under the CFA Act requiring they remove the hazard.
Failure to comply with such a notice can result in fines of up to $5000 or 12 months imprisonment.
Residents wanting information about what precautions can be taken to protect their property from fire should contact the CFA’s Victorian Bushfire Information line on 1800 240 667.