FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FIREBREAK & FUEL HAZARD REDUCTION NOTICE 2015-2016
QUESTIONS
ANSWERS
I never received the Fuel Hazard Reduction & Firebreak Notice
Under the Act (Bushfires Act 1954) the Shire is required to advertise the Fire
Break & Fuel Hazard Reduction (Notice) in the local newspaper and WA Local
Government Gazette. The Shire elects to post a notice to landowners to ensure
relevant information is received by property owners and the community. If you
have not received a copy of the Notice we will gladly forward a copy to you,
alternatively the Notice is available on our website www.armshire.wa.gov.au.
Why have I received a fine and NOT a warning?
The Fire Break & Fuel Hazard Reduction Notice is posted to all landowners, this
Notice clearly states this is your “First and Final Warning”.
What if I object to the Infringement?
Can you recommend any Contractors?
In accordance with the Bushfires Act 1954 a withdrawal for a bushfire
infringement must be made in writing within 60 days of the notice being issued.
With the fire season being a very busy period for the Rangers, it is in the
landowner’s best interest to write to the CEO immediately so that a timely
response can be made within the 60 day period otherwisw a withdrawal may not
be considered.
The Shire is unable to recommend any particular contractors, however every
year the Shire Rangers facilitate a pre fire season workshop for local contractors.
The objective of this workshop is to talk to contractors, explain the compliance
requirements, and what Rangers are assessing when they inspect each property.
When selecting a contractor you may want to consider asking if they attended the
Contractors Workshop, this will ensure you engage a contractor who is up to date
with compliance requirements.
Why was my neighbour given a warning and I got a fine straight up?
When were we told about this process, we have never had to do this
before?
I didn’t know what the Notice was so I threw it in the bin. I thought it was
just a brochure, it was not clear to me it was a Fire Break & Fuel Hazard
Reduction Notice and that I was required to action the Notice.
I have only just recently purchased the property the real-estate / previous
owner(s) did not inform me of any works required to be completed on the
property. Why am I now liable when I didn’t know?
How short does the grass have to be and does this apply to all bocks?
Why do I have to install a firebreak if I live in Rural and not Town?
I live out of town and cannot find a Contractor to complete the work. If I
pay the Infringement will the Shire carry out the works for me? Will there
be an extra charge for this?
Why have you only issued the fines at the end of the fire season? I cleared
my block at the commencement of the fire season why didn’t you check it
then?
I have been issued with a warning, how long do I have to complete the
works?
When Rangers inspect a property it is reviewed as to whether or not it can carry
or hold a fire and whether it complies with the Notice. Those deemed higher risk
may be issued an Infringement.
These requirements are in place each year, there are advertisements placed in
the local paper, Government Gazette and a Fire Break & Fuel Hazard Reduction
Notice is posted to all landowners. It clearly states in the Fire Break & Fuel
Hazard Reduction Notice that it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure
they comply with this Notice.
It is important to read through this document, if you are unsure about any
sections of the Notice please contact the Shire. The Notice and cover letter sent
to you have clearly identify that it is the landowner’s legal responsibility to be
aware of the Notice requirements.
The Shire has a program in place that when a settlement agency inquires as to a
property being sold they are advised of any outstanding Fire Break & Fuel
Hazard Reduction Notice works to be completed on the property. All new
landowers are also posted a Welcome Pack which includes a copy of the Fire
Break & Fuel Hazard Reduction Notice.
If your land is not being used for pasture, grass must be no longer than 10cm’s this applies to all land whether it is Townsite, Rural Res or Rural. Please refer to
the Notice for additional information specific to your needs.
Firebreak is a generic term used to cover properties that do require a firebreak.
Each area has specific requiremets, please refer to your specific location legal
requirements within the Notice and it will explain what is required of you.
If the property is re-inspected and still non-compliant then yes, the Shire may
carry out the works on your behalf. Please note however, you will be invoiced for
these works plus you may also be liable for other penalties.
Rangers have a large area to inspect each year with high risk areas being
inspected first. It is your responsibility as a landowner to ensure your property is
compliant from 22 November (Townsites, Rural Residential, Vineyards,
Plantations) or 22 December (Rural) and remains compliant all the way through
until 13 May. This may mean further works and maintenance are required
throughout the Notice period.
You are provided with a further 28 days to complete the required works, if you
have any concerns you can contact the Rangers Department to discuss further.
Please be aware there may be a delay with Rangers returning your call at this
time of the year due to firebreak inspections and other operational priorities.
Any bush, plant, tree, grasses, vegetable, substance, object, thing or material
that may or is likely to catch fire and burn. Please refer to page 8 of your Fire
Break & Fuel Hazard Reduction Notice.
A simple way is if you rub your shoe over the area, what ever covers your shoe is
What is meant by excess leaf litter? How much do we reasonably need to
what needs to be cleared. Please refer to Page 6 of your Fire Break & Fuel
remove?
Hazard Reduction Notice.
What does ‘Hazardous’ mean?
materials
E.g. flammable materials, hazardous
Why the change of compliance date for Rural Residential Land
This brings these properties into line with other similar local governments and will
provide for increased protection should a fire occur.
My garden is not reticulated, does that mean I have to remove this from If your garden is maintained on a regular bases e.g. free from any dead plant
next to my house?
litter, then it is allowed to stay.
The Rangers seem to be only inspecting my area and not others
Inspections are conducted in relation to risk. Areas that are deemed to be of high
risk will always be inspected first while other areas will be inspected in realtion to
risk, rating and so on as time permits. If you have any concerns regarding a
property that may be of high fire risk, please contact the Rangers.
I want to find out more information about how to be prepared for the fire DFES have some great resources such as the ‘Prepare. Act. Survive’ document.
season. Do you have any suggested publications I can review to assist?
Please visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au for more information.
Can I use a spray to kill the grass to create a firebreak?
The warning letter you sent me was dated 28 December but I have only just
received it now (weeks later). Why is the letter so late? This only leaves
me a couple of days to complete the works. Can I have an extension? How
do I apply for an extension?
Where do these regulations come from? Who decides that we must do
this?
No, all firebreaks are to be bare mineral earth. If there is any hazardous material
within this zone the property is non-compliant and may result in an infringement,
as well as the need for more works to be undertaken. Please refer to Page 5 of
your Fire Break & Fuel Hazard Reduction Notice for further information about
installing firebreaks.
Due to the amount of Public Holidays over the Christmas / New Year period, it
may take longer than ususal for these letters to arrive. If a letter is sent to you we
will take into account any delays such as public holidays and this will be reflected
in the timeframe we have given for works to be completed. If you have any
concerns please contact the Rangers.
Most of the regulations stem from the Bushfires Act 1954, while local
modifications are developed and then endorsed by a range of key stakeholders
including Bush Fire Brigade members, DFES, Sustainability Advisory Committee
delegates, and internal Shire officers, before being endorsed by the Bushfire
Advisory Committee (BFAC), and then approved by Council in the adoption of the
BFAC Minutes.
By reducing the ground fuels to 5cm this will slow the rate of spread of the fire.
Explain to me how reducing the leaves to 5cm’s is going to make any Please note this will not stop the fire but gives Firefighters the chance to save
difference if a fire comes through
properties. The 5cm depth has also been considered from an environmental point
of view allowing organisms, insects and other creatures to live within this system.
Rangers are inspecting as many properties as they can. With in excess of 9,000
properties to be inspect along with daily ranger duties, Rangers will not be able to
I am concerned about my neighbouring properties, they are hazardous and inspect all properties but if you notify the Rangers Department in writing of a
do not comply
property or concern they will be able to check if the property has been inspected
and can flag that property as being identifed to be a hazard. Rangers will make
every effort to have that property inspected and made compliant.
I am concerned about the impact carrying out this work will have on the The Notice has been created trying to balance the environment and the
native fauna
protection of Life and Property as much as possible.
No, you will not receive an infringement notice for a non-compliant Shire verge
The Shire verge on my property is overgrown and non-compliant. Will I get
however, this compliance issue should be reported to the Shire to ensure a works
an infringement for this? Who is responsible for keeping the verge
request is lodged and actioned. If you live in a resiential area it is encouraged to
maintained? Am I allowed to clear the verge to make it compliant?
maintain the verge of your property.
What is the best method to clear ground fuel on residential bush blocks
Clear by hand, rake or employ a Contractor to undertake the works.