How Council prepares for fire

Our fire prevention program occurs throughout the year and includes scheduled works and inspections. We work with the Country Fire Authority (CFA), local brigades, the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) and rail and water authorities.

We inspect properties for fire hazards year-round. Your property must be clear of fire hazards before and during the Fire Danger Period. If you need advice about managing your land to reduce fuel loads:

• go to CFA: How to prepare your property
• talk to the local brigade
• contact the Mitchell Shire Municipal Fire Prevention Officer on 03 5734 6200

The type of work you will be asked to do will be determined by where you live and the size of your property.

If your property is deemed a risk, you will be issued with a Fire Prevention Notice (FPN) that explains what actions you must take to reduce the risk.

If you fail to comply with the notice, we will carry out the works and charge you for the cost of work. You will also get a fine.

You can report an issue to Council on 03 5734 6200 or via email mitchell@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au

If you wish to object to a fire prevention notice:

• contact Council's Municipal Fire Prevention Officer in writing prior to the due date on the notice
• send your objection in writing to Mitchell Shire Council

To discuss a notice or ask about fire prevention, call our Local Laws Department on 03 5734 6200.

As part of our fire prevention program we reduce fuel on approximately 1,500km of local roads and roadsides.

This includes roadside height and width clearance, weed spraying, woody weed removal, and roadside slashing and spraying.

We do this work throughout the year but most of our fire prevention roadside slashing occurs between November and January. Spraying works are conducted in August.

Our Annual Roadside Slashing and Spraying Program

This program involves plotting work to be done on each road. We plan our work in consultation with the Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee and Mitchell Fire Advisory Group, with expert input from the CFA, local brigades, DELWP and others.

Report a Road You Think is a Fire Risk

If you are concerned about the fire risk on a road not in the program, contact us on 03 5734 6200. One of our Fire Prevention Officers will inspect the road.

Fire Prevention on VicRoads

VicRoads is responsible for fire prevention works on major roads under their management.

Find out who manages which roads in our Shire.

Please contact VicRoads on 13 11 71 to ask about scheduled works on these roads.

Fire Action Week is a great opportunity to find out more about the fire risk in your local area, talk to your family and friends about how you'll know when to leave, where you'll go and how you will get there.

We educate the community about the local fire risk, how to prepare, and what to do to stay safe over summer via our Mitchell Shire Council Fire Information facebook page and across our social media platforms.