Shire of Mundaring workshops to help reduce fuel loads

FREE workshops are in the pipeline for residents to reduce fuel loads on properties when the prohibited burning period ends.

Shire of Mundaring chief executive Jonathan Throssell said the first workshop would begin on Sunday, May 1 and run on four consecutive Sundays.

Residents will learn from Shire officers and local volunteer firefighters how to reduce green waste safely.

The Shire’s prohibited burning period currently ends at midnight, April 14 however residents should check for the latest update on the Shire website.

Mr Throssell said it was important to manage vegetation growth and green waste safely.

“Reducing fuel loads during the cooler months assists local brigades in the warmer months when fire is such a threat to our area,” he said.

Residents who register will learn how to assess fuel loads, prepare a property and determine when and how to burn.

Peter Holland and Rosemary Greenham were among dozens of residents who previously participated in the workshops.

The couple said through the workshop they learnt to implement a winter burning regime.

“If there was a significant fire near our property, we believe there is a good chance we would come out the other side of it,” Mr Holland said.

“Or that it would allow firefighters to help us defend it because we’ve already done the base work.”

Mr Holland said the couple learnt the correct tools and techniques to use.

“Some people are scared to approach the Shire because they fear they might get told off for things or get a fine, but we found the opposite,” he said.

“The help was invaluable and gave us the confidence to tackle burning in areas that haven’t been touched for many years.”

Alternatively, residents are encouraged to dispose of green waste at no cost in one of the Shire’s transfer stations.

To express interest in a workshop, visit Shire of Mundaring or call 9290 6696.