NOTICE TO ALL OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS OF LAND WITHIN THE SHIRE OF KALAMUNDA
Bush Fires Act 1954, Section 33 (1)
FIREBREAKS
Firebreaks must be installed and fire hazards removed by 1st December and kept clear until March 31st the following year, or within 14 days of becoming the owner/ occupier of land if after that date.
Follow these simple regulations and you will help to protect your family, property and the community from the devastation of fire. It is recommended that property owners program their hazard reduction in conjunction with the installation and maintenance of firebreaks.
Firebreaks:
- reduce the spread of fires
- allow access for fire fighting vehicles
- provide a break from which back-burning may be commenced.
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Suburban Properties
If your land is in an urban area or zoned residential, and is less than 4,000 square meters (1 acre):
· Slash or mow all grass, to a height no greater than 5cm
· Clear away overhanging branches and shrubs around all building to create a safety buffer zone
· Clear building roofs and gutters of inflammable material
· Clear all dead inflammable material to a height no greater than 5cm
Special Rural/ Rural Properties
If your land is in a Special Rural or Rural area or is more than 4,000 square meters (1 acre):
· Clear a three (3) metre wide firebreak by removing all dead inflammable material around all external boundaries of each property
· All firebreaks area to be maintained vertically to a height of four (4) metres to allow access for emergency vehicles
· Clear a ten (10) meter wide fuel free zone around haystacks and fuel tank storage areas
· Clear away overhanging branches and shrubs around all building to create a safety buffer zone
· Clear building roofs and gutters of inflammable material
· Clear all dead inflammable material to a height no greater than 5cm
Alternative Firebreaks
If it is impractical for you to install a firebreak along your boundary, you can request permission from the Shire to install a firebreak in an alternative location or of a different nature. Your request must be received in writing by 15th November to be considered.
Compliance
Where the owner or occupier of the land who has received notice, fails or neglects to comply with the requisitions within the time specified, the Shire of Kalamunda may, by its officers and with such servants, workmen and contractors, vehicles and machinery as the officers deem fit, enter upon the land and carry out the requisitions of the notice which have not been complied with. The amount of any costs and expenses incurred shall be recovered from you as the owner-occupier of the land.
FIRE BURNING RESTRICTIONS
Lighting of fires on your property can be extremely dangerous. To help reduce the risk, prohibited and restricted burning times are set according to seasonal conditions and may be adjusted.
NOTE – Restricted and Prohibited Burning Times may be varied due to seasonal changes. Any changes will be advertised in a local newspaper circulated within the Shire’s District, Check with the Shire of Kalamunda for any change in conditions.
These dates indicate when you are required to request a ‘Burning Permit’:
Restricted Burning Times (PERMITS REQUIRED):
Between the 2nd November to 30th November in each year, both dates inclusive, and between the 1st April to 30th April in each year, both dates inclusive.
- You may obtain a Burning Permit by request at the Shire of Kalamunda Administration Office
- Fire Control Officer's are not obligated to issue Permits to Burn and may provide advice on alternatives to burning
- There is a requirement to notify neighbours of planned burning - minimum 4 days prior to lighting.
- Residents can still legally burn off a small heap – 1 meter square, after 6pm and out by 11pm without a permit to burn so long as the Fire Danger Rating is not Very High or Extreme.
These dates indicate when lighting fires is prohibited:
Prohibited Burning Time (TOTAL FIRE BAN):
Between the 1st December in each year to 31st March in the following year, both dates inclusive.
Local Restriction on the Burning of Garden Refuse
Pursuant to the powers contained in Section 24G(2) of the Bush Fires Act 1954, the Shire of Kalamunda prohibits the burning of all garden refuse within its district during the Prohibited Burning Time unless the garden refuse is burnt in a properly constructed incinerator designed to prevent the escape of burning material. This prohibition applies to all persons within the Shire’s district. Failure to comply with this prohibition is an offence with a maximum penalty of $3,000.
Control of Operations Likely to Cause a Bush Fire
Property owners should take care to prevent bush fires. The operation of welding equipment and angle grinders are activities likely to create a fire when used in the open air. A person shall provide at least one fire extinguisher at the place where welding or cutting operation is carried out, and clear around this place with a firebreak which is at least 5 metres wide.
- Keep farm machinery clean of dust and vegetation. Fit spark arresters to machinery exhausts.
- Check the underside of farm vehicles for build up of straw and vegetation, particularly around exhaust system and catalytic converters.
- Carry appropriate fire extinguishers that meet the requirements of the Bush Fire Regulations 1954.
Reduce the fire hazards on your property prior to the summer season, because it is the responsibility of each and every one of us. It’s not difficult, but to be effective, everyone has to help. These are a simple and effective method of protecting your property from fire, and are a legal requirement. Firebreak Inspection Officers will commence inspection of firebreaks and fire hazards early in the season, and will provide advice on potential fire hazards and suggested remedial measures
ADVICE
Phone the Shire of Kalamunda Customer Services on (08) 9257 9999 for more information about:
· Advice and further information on requirements, and the various measures that may be taken to minimise the fire risk of living in the Hills environment.
- Firebreak construction and firebreaks around fuel dumps, hay stacks, timber plantations
- Fire Management Plans and Alternative firebreaks
All Fire Emergencies • Ambulance • Police ring 000
See Bush Fire Safety section of the website for tips and hints on preparing your property for Bush Fires