A LATE spring dose of rain has done little to wash away the sense of urgency from the Country Fire Service and Wattle Range Council as the Lower South East’s fire danger season officially starts tomorrow.
Both organisations have been at the coalface of the annual campaign in recent weeks to ensure the Penola Coonawarra district is prepared for the looming bushfire season.
A council-led green waste amnesty is among the initiatives being used to encourage residents to clear potential fire fuels from their properties, but the Local Government body will step up its presence in the coming weeks to ensure properties are compliant.
The mercury soared to 32.8c in Coonawarra on Monday, with officials warning similar conditions over several days could alter the volatility of fuel loads across the region.
Council chief executive officer Ben Gower said general inspectors – who are authorised fire inspection officers – would serve notices to landowners who need to clean up their properties.
“The inspectors will travel around the township inspecting properties for long grass, build-up of green waste and materials in backyards that could be a fire risk,” he said.
“They will then bring that to the property owner’s attention and ask them to address it.
“A subsequent round will be completed a few weeks later and inspectors will continue to make sure people are reducing the fuel load.
“If they are not they will receive a follow-up letter and over time if nothing is addressed, the matter will be escalated with the property owner in an appropriate manner.”
Mr Gower said the council had started media campaigns with signage serving as a friendly reminder the fire season was looming.
“We are looking to install digital fire danger signs around the council area and have applied for grant funding to enable us to do so,” he said.
“Council has assigned some money from their budget to install the signs, however we are applying for funding so the money goes further.
“We are working with councils across the Limestone Coast so we have consistent signage and the CFS will coordinate the signs.
“It will be awhile until we receive these signs yet.”
A free green waste disposal was made available to Wattle Range residents throughout October and November and has served as an incentive to prepare.
Users of the service at council facilities had to prove their status as a resident or ratepayer by presenting a current rate notice or driver’s licence to dispose of approved green waste without using any waste vouchers.
“The green waste drop offs have encouraged people to move their fuel load free of charge,” Mr Gower said.
“It has been available at all council waste transfer stations and has been well received.
“I think this is because A, everything is crazy this time of year, B – because of the season there has been a lot more green stuff out there and C – we are approaching fire season.
“This is the busiest season for green waste and I continue to encourage everyone to reduce fuel and the risk to themselves and neighbouring communities.”
Country Fire Services Region 5 acting regional commander Sam Quigley said it was important the South East community took measures to ensure their safety throughout the fire danger season.
He said the Sherwood fire last year should act as a reminder to the Lower South East region about the devastation a blaze can cause.
“I cannot understate the importance of having a plan and staying across reliable information put out from the CFS and Bureau of Meteorology,” Mr Quigley said.
“People need a plan for what they will do on a day of increased fire danger as well as when a fire occurs.
“If your plan will stay and actively defend -consider what may change and what you will do.”
Mr Quigley said communication amongst neighbours can serve as the best preparation when it comes to extreme fire danger days.
“An often really simple way to being prepared will speake to your neighbours,” he said.
“If you have been busy, this time of year is good opportunity to catch up and discuss how you will prepare and plan for a fire.”
