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Fire prevention

Our fire prevention unit covers a wide range of issues relating to fire and the safety of the community.

Fire Hazards Fire Prevention Fire restriction period Fires and incinerators Permit to burn Request rural roadside slashing

We work closely with the Fire Rescue Victoria and Country Fire Authority at all times.

Issues dealt with throughout the year include:

  • fire prevention inspections
  • fire hazards
  • fires
  • smoke
  • excessive vegetation on a vacant residential property  
  • permits to burn.
  • out door burning 
  • incinerators 
  • fire pit inspections

Legislative requirements

Each Municipality  is required  to employ a appoint a Municipal Fire Prevention Officer in accordance with the CFA Act 1958 and FRV Act 1958 

Fire Prevention inspections are carried out from November to March each year and properties within our municipality are inspected to ensure that they are maintained in a fire safe condition. Follow-up action is undertaken on the properties that have not been cleared in a satisfactory manner. 

Permits to burn are issued mainly for fuel reduction purposes and have stringent conditions attached and will only be issued outside the danger period each year.

It is an online process but if the permit applicant does not have access to a computer, we can assist that person with the application process. 

Advice is always available on any fire issue.

Fire prevention terms

It helps to understand the phrases used in relation to Fire Prevention.  These terms are used regularly when fire prevention is discussed.

Please click on each link to learn about these terms and related information:

Common Questions

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action  (DECCA)  (previously DELWP) has an ongoing program in place to reduce the risk of fire on public land and state reserves.

To find out more about this program or to get the latest update on the Planned Burning Program, please check the DECCA website or telephone 136 186 during business hours only.

The City of Graeter Geelong also undertakes inspections and undertakes maintenance  programs throughout the year to reduce the risk of fire on public/Council managed land 

 

We commence preparation for the fire season from late October to the end of December.  

This consists of roadside slashing on all non-biodiversity roadsides and excludes VicRoads networks.
 

Once the CFA have declared the start date/day for the  Fire Danger Period for the Municipality, all Fire Prevention Notices issued by the Fire Prevention Unit on behalf of the CFA will have a 21 day time frame for all works to be carried out by the notice recipient.  An extension of ONE week only will be given if exceptional circumstances are sought.

If you require extra time to clear your property you will need to contact the Fire Prevention Department to discuss the matter prior to the expiration date listed on the Fire Prevention Notice. 

The Municipal Fire Prevention Officer and the Assistant Municipal Fire Prevention Officer will assist you with this request 

You can contact our Fire Prevention Department on 03 5272 4494, or 03 5272 5272 and they will pass your message on.

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