With warmer weather finally arriving Fleurieu councils are calling on residents to be prepared for Fire Danger Season.

The Fire Danger Season for the Mount Lofty Ranges, which includes the Fleurieu, will run from 1 December 2022 to 30 April 2023.

The wet winter and spring has boosted vegetation growth across the region, which has the potential to become fuel as the season dries.

Councils have outlined the responsibilities of landowners to be bushfire ready.

All land owners/occupiers must take responsible steps to prevent or inhibit the outbreak and spread of fire on the land.

They must also protect property on the land from fire and minimise the threat to human life from a fire on the land.

If the property is under one hectare in area all grass and undergrowth must be reduced to a maximum height of ten centimetres in height.

If the property is over one hectare in area the land owner/occupier must establish and maintain a fuel break around the whole area, placed as near as practicable to the perimeter.

The fuel break must be at least a five metre wide strip on which all grass, pest plants and undergrowth is reduced to a maximum of 10 centimetres in height.

All rural properties are required to have a five metre fire break around the perimeter of the property, including property with stock, and a 20 metre fire break around any structures on the property.

CFS is the authority that approves native vegetation clearances and has a wide range of information including a step-by-step process guide to follow when seeking to reduce, modify or remove native vegetation for bushfire safety.

The councils’ authorised officers are currently inspecting vacant land throughout the region to identify flammable undergrowth greater than 10cm. 

Any vacant land identified not to comply will be issued with a Compliance Notice requiring the land owners/occupiers to take action within 14 days.

If the land owner/occupier of the land fails to comply with a notice, the local council and its agents may enter the land and carry out any fuel reduction works required.

It is not only rural landholders who need to help protect property and the wider community.

All householders are recommended to:

• Reduce all grass, weed plants and undergrowth to a maximum height of 10 centimetres across your block.
• Prune low tree branches from ground level up to two metres in height.
• Cut back overhanging trees and remove leaves and other debris from gutters
• Remove bark, heavy mulch, woodpiles and any flammable materials close to any structure.
• Create fuel management zones to prevent the spread of fire and to allow fire fighters to operate.
• Ensure your property allows clear and unimpeded access for fire fighting vehicles.

Remember to check your land throughout the year as more hazard reduction works may be needed, especially if there is more rain.

Visit the CFS website to find out more about how to prepare for Fire Danger Season and download useful resources.