Summer is just around the corner, which means it's time to prepare your property for the fire season.
Baw Baw Shire Council Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson says we all have a part to play when it comes to fire preparedness.
"While Council continues bushfire mitigation efforts to reduce fuel loads, residents can contribute by preparing and maintaining their properties," said Cr Wilson.
"If residents have concerns that a property may pose a fire risk, we encourage them to report it to Council using Snap Send Solve."
To prepare your property against fire, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the fuel:
Maintain at least 30 metres of defendable space around your dwelling.
Keep lawn areas around your home well maintained to between 50mm and 100mm in length.
Maintain gardens.
Removing undergrowth, fallen branches and tree cuttings.
To assist in the preparation, Baw Baw Shire is currently offering free green waste drop off days at selected transfer stations. Dates and locations can be found here.
Terms and conditions of the free green waste drop off program:
Up to 3 cubic metres per household.
Available to all residents - property owners and tenants.
Bookings not required - simply present proof of residency e.g. current driver's license or rates notice.
Must be delivered in residential vehicles and trailers.
Council continues to undertake its bushfire mitigation works, including fuel reduction, planned burns. Council also carries out annual inspections on privately owned and Council owned or maintained land during the declared Fire Danger Period. Where necessary, Council will issue a Fire Prevention Notice (FPN), directing landowners or occupiers to remove or clean up vegetation or other combustible materials.
