City of Wanneroo brings forward deadline for firebreaks

THE City of Wanneroo has brought forward the deadline for landowners to clear firebreaks by two weeks, to November 1.

The City will start inspecting firebreaks from November 2, requiring them to be a minimum width of 3m and have minimum clearance height of 3.5m.

According to the City, bringing forward the date would provide more time for remedial works if needed before summer and to align with other local governments.

Wanneroo’s chief bushfire control officer Paul Postma said under the Bush Fires Act 1954, it was the landowner’s responsibility to install a firebreak and undertake fire hazard management on their property.

“Firebreaks are installed for several reasons; critically, they enable firefighters to safely navigate properties under threat as well as allowing firefighting crews access to the property to slow down the rate of spread of a fire,” he said.

“Firebreaks do not generally stop fires but they provide quick access when required and allow firefighters to carry out hazard reduction burns to reduce a fire’s intensity.

“Most City of Wanneroo residents are generally very compliant and understanding of the requirements to prepare their properties for fire as they are located within a known bush fire prone area, however there are a small minority who choose not comply with the legal requirements to install firebreaks.”

Relevant landowners have received communication detailing their responsibilities and could receive infringement notices for failing to comply.

Mayor Tracey Roberts said it was vital that landowners were vigilant about fire hazard management.

“Your support in being well-prepared in the event of a bushfire will greatly assist you, your neighbours and firefighters,” she said.

For more information, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au or call 9405 5000.