A Local Government Firebreak Notice is crucial for managing bushfire risk by assisting in the stop of spread of a wildfire. This article outlines the general responsibilities that landowners must fulfil according to typical Firebreak Notices and provides a minor overview of the Bushfire Act 1954.
General Requirements
Local governments usually require that landowners undertake specific measures to mitigate fire hazards. These measures must be completed by a specified date each year (commonly before the fire season) and maintained throughout the high-risk period.
Definitions
- Firebreak: A strip or area of ground with a minimum width (often specified as around 3 meters) and 4.5m vertical clearance, kept entirely clear of flammable material.
- Asset Protection Zone (APZ): An area of very low fuel levels surrounding a habitable building, extending to a minimum distance (such as 20 meters) from external walls.
- Managed Vegetation: Vegetation that is pruned away from buildings, under-pruned to minimize contact with ground fuels, and free of dead suspended matter like twigs, leaves, and bark.
Landowner Responsibilities
Medium-Sized Land (5,000 sqm to 50,000 sqm)
For land within this size range with a building on it, landowners generally must:
- Maintain all grass to a low height (commonly no greater than 5 cm).
- Install a firebreak around all structures outside the APZ and immediately inside all external boundaries.
- Maintain fuel loads in natural bush areas below specified levels (e.g., 8 tonnes per hectare).
- Establish and maintain an APZ according to specific requirements.
Large-Sized Land (50,000 sqm and Greater)
For larger land sizes with buildings, landowners typically need to:
- Maintain all grass to a low height (commonly no greater than 5 cm) within a specified distance from any firebreak.
- Manage other grasses by slashing or effective grazing by livestock.
- Install firebreaks around all structures outside the APZ and inside all external boundaries.
- Keep fuel loads in natural bush areas below specified levels.
Small-Sized Land (5,000 sqm or Less)
For smaller land sizes with buildings, common responsibilities include:
- Maintaining grass to a height no greater than 5 cm.
- Keeping fuel loads in natural bush areas within specified limits.
- Establish and maintain an APZ according to requirements.
Vacant Land
Responsibilities for vacant land typically depend on size:
- For smaller vacant lots (e.g., less than 2,000 sqm): Maintain all grass to a low height (often no greater than 5 cm) and keep fuel loads low.
- For larger vacant lots (e.g., more than 2,000 sqm): Install firebreaks inside all external boundaries and maintain grass and fuel loads as required.
Asset Protection Zone (APZ) Specifications
- Maintain all grass to a low height (e.g., no greater than 5 cm).
- Keep fuel loads within designated limits (e.g., 2 tonnes per hectare).
- Ensure a clear separation between tree crowns.
- Avoid planting or maintaining trees/shrubs over 2 meters high within a close distance (e.g., 2 meters) of habitable buildings.
- Under-prune trees and shrubs to a minimum height of 2 meters from the ground.
- Ensure roofs, gutters, and walls of buildings are clear of fine fuel loads and other flammable material.
Additional Responsibilities
Landowners may also need to:
- Ensure all driveways are clear of flammable material and accessible for emergency services.
- Remove flammable material within a specific distance (e.g., 10 meters) of any fuel storage areas, haystacks, or stockpiled flammable materials.
- Comply with any additional works specified by an Authorised Officer.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with a Firebreak Notice can result in substantial fines (up to $5,000 is common) and covering costs incurred by the local government to perform necessary works.
The Bushfire Act 1954
The Bushfire Act 1954 is legislation enacted to provide for the prevention of bushfires in Western Australia. The Act:
- Empowers local governments to issue Firebreak Notices.
- Enables the appointment of Bush Fire Control Officers who have authority to enforce compliance.
- Specifies penalties for activities that increase bushfire risk, such as neglecting to install firebreaks or managing flammable materials improperly.
- Supports the establishment of bushfire brigades to effectively manage and respond to fire incidents.
Adhering to the requirements of the Bushfire Act 1954 and local Firebreak Notices is crucial for ensuring the safety of your property and the broader community. Contact your local government for specific assistance and information.
Notice is crucial for ensuring the safety of your property and the broader community. Here is the link to the Shire of Mundaring Firebreak Notice page.
Learn how to modify your Asset Protection Zone Here with out free APZ guide.