The resident responsible for burning the 4sqm pile of refuse in a gully copped a $250 fine from the Shire of Mundaring last week and will be liable to pay the communications provider the cost of repairs.
Residents prosecuted under the Bushfires Act 1954 face a fine of up to $3000 and claims for damages.
The Shire became aware of the burn-off when the communications provider called to advise of damage affecting 10 to 15 properties in the area.
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READ NOWResidents may burn a square metre pile of garden waste on property after 6pm without a permit and the fire must be out by midnight on the same day, during the restricted burning period.
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Shire president David Lavell said the incident highlighted the importance of burn-off regulations.
“A Shire officer will inspect the area and determine whether or not it is appropriate to issue a permit for that site,” he said.
“In this instance, the resident’s failure to secure the proper permissions needed for a verge-side burn in addition to burning an oversized pile not only incurred an infringement from the Shire, but caused serious damage to underground communication cables for that street and surrounding streets,” he said.
Mr Lavell urged residents to stay safe and protect their local community by checking the regulations and obtaining a permit when required from a local brigade.
Wooroloo Fire Brigade recently attended four call outs in two days caused by ‘escaped private property burns’, according to Emergency Animal Support Evacuation WA.
EASE WA founder Sam Murray-Whelan urged people with permits to take extra care in ensuring fires are out completely before leaving the scene unattended.
Shire hotline 9290 6644.