City urges residents to get bushfire ready

As the warmer weather approaches, residents in the City of Gosnells are encouraged to be prepared and ensure their properties are ‘bushfire-ready’ for the summer season.

The City’s Annual Fire Hazard Reduction Notice, which outlines the important steps that must be taken to reduce the risk of bushfires has been sent to more than 47,000 property owners.

“Minimising and preventing the spread of bushfires is a collective effort that requires everyone in the community to do their part to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season,” Mayor Terresa Lynes said.

“By taking crucial steps to reduce fire hazards on our properties and having an emergency action plan in place in the event of a fire, we can be in a better position to handle a worst-case scenario.”

Most residents or property owners are required to maintain their land clear of all flammable matter higher than 10cm, such as dry vegetation, shrubs, plants, cuttings and other combustible material.

Residents and owners of rural properties have until 30 November to install firebreaks that are at least 3m wide and 4m high, or carry out slashing on their properties to clear the land of flammable matter higher than 10cm.

During the Restricted Burning Period, from 1 October to 30 November, residents will need a permit to carry out any planned burns on their property.

Permits are free and can take up to three days to process. Permits can be applied for online at gosnells.wa.gov.au/fire-permit.

No burns or fire of any kind are allowed during the Prohibited Burning Period, from 1 December to  31 March, with potential for extension, depending on weather conditions.

Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $5,000 under the Bush Fires Act 1954.

For more information, call 9397 3000 or click here.