THERE was a rise in the number of infringement notices for landowners who failed to comply with fire prevention notices Wellington Shire this fire season.
This fire season Wellington Shire Council posted 7000 fire safety information pamphlets then conducted routine fire prevention inspections of more than 3500 properties, as required by the Country Fire Authority Act.
The result across Wellington was that 2826 fire prevention notices were issued for properties considered to pose a fire risk.
Mayor Peter Cleary thanked all responsible landowners who prepared for the fire season by making their property safe.
“I also want to acknowledge those who reacted to the fire prevention notice by taking prompt corrective action. I am sure their neighbours were thankful for their efforts, albeit too late for the onset of the official fire season,” he said.
As well as protecting their own assets, landowners have an extra duty of care that makes them legally responsible for maintaining their property in a fire safe condition to protect their neighbour’s property.
After conducting their follow-up inspections, council officers issued 273 infringements to those who failed to comply with the requirements of the fire prevention notice; which is a significant increase on last year’s 156.
For more read Friday’s Gippsland Times.
