Fire

 

A well-prepared home can reduce fire risk and increase the chances of survival in a bushfire.

 

Protecting your home against bushfires

If you live in an area prone to bush or grassfires, it's crucial to take the necessary steps to prepare your property for fire season. Removing fuel and vegetation is one of the best ways to minimize the risk of fire. This is equally important for residential homes, commercial and industrial allotments.

Find out how to best prepare your home.

In addition to preparing your property, it's essential to have a Bushfire Survival Plan. This plan should contain information on the potential risks posed by fire to your property and how to evacuate early on days of high fire danger. CFA provides valuable advice on developing an appropriate Bushfire Survival Plan. Remember, being prepared is the key to staying safe during fire season.

 

Avoiding fires in your home

House fires are a major concern in Victoria, with over 3,000 cases reported every year, and the good news is that almost all of them can be prevented. To safeguard your home against fire, it's important to have working smoke alarms installed, regularly check your appliances for damage and wear, and ensure your fireplaces are well-maintained. Taking these steps can go a long way in preventing fire outbreaks in your home. Find out more about how you can keep your home safe from fire hazards.

Find out how to prevent fire in your home.

 

Your obligations

It is important to be aware that our Municipal Fire Prevention Officer (MFPO) conducts inspections throughout the townships of Wangaratta, including Glenrowan, Whitfield, and Eldorado. As a property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your property is prepared for potential fire hazards. If a fire hazard is detected, you will receive a Fire Prevention Notice indicating what you need to do to reduce the risk of fire. Your property will be re-inspected to ensure that the fire hazard has been removed.

If you do not comply with the Fire Prevention Notice, you may face a fine and be required to pay for any necessary work, such as vegetation removal or slashing. The minimum penalty for non-compliance is over $1,000.

 

Permit to burn

The Rural City of Wangaratta has annual restrictions on burning off and you will be required to get a burning off permit.

 

Neighbourhood Safer Places

We have identified four Neighbourhood Safer Places which can be used as a place of last resort when other plans have failed or cannot be followed. However, no place can be guaranteed as safe during a bushfire.

  • Cheshunt Hall - Cnr King Valley Road and Upper King Valley Road, Cheshunt 3678

  • Eldorado Memorial Hall - Main Street (opposite McKoy Street), Eldorado 3746

  • Glenrowan Recreation Reserve Community Centre - Daniel Lane, Glenrowan 3675

  • Springhurst Recreation Reserve – 111 Anzac Road, Springhurst, 3682

  • Whitfield Recreation Reserve Sports Pavilion - Mansfield - Whitfield Road, Whitfield 3733