Fire Prevention on your Property

As you may already be aware, the Olinda and Mt Dandenong townships are amongst the most fire prone in the world.   To assist you in better protecting your property, yourself and others from the threat of bushfires the Olinda Rural Fire Brigade is providing the following information and contact details should you require them.

It is important to remember that a critical key to increasing the fire protection of your property is by reducing and wherever possible eliminating potential fire hazards.  

Fuel Reduction

The protection of your property can be greatly enhanced by the reduction or removal of fire hazards as follows:

• Reduce ground fuel that will ignite easily such as grass, weed, bark, leaves and twigs on your property including road reserves;
• Ensure all flammable materials, including firewood, are stored away from dwellings;
• Keep spouting, roof areas and valleys clean and free of leaves and twigs;
• Cover vents and areas under eaves with fine wire mesh to stop embers entering;
• Keep your grass mown before and during the fire season.

If you are unable to do this work yourself a list of Fire Hazard Clearance Contractors can be obtained from the Shire of Yarra Ranges

Green Waste

Green waste can be reduced by composting.   Alternatively you may wish to take advantage of the Shire's green waste collection sites at Coldstream, Healesville and Wesburn (fees apply) Two private collection centres also operate in the Shire at Montrose and Lysterfield. Further information can be obtained from Shire’s Waste Management (re: green waste) on 1300 368 333.

Burning Off

Burning is regulated by the Shire's Open Air Burning Local Law.   Areas within the district have been classified as “Residential Bushland”.  For further details contact Environmental Services on 1300 368 333.

Personal Wildfire Survival Plans and Property Inspections  

The Country Fire Authority Community Safety Team at Region 13 in Lilydale can provide information and advice to assist you in formulating a personal survival plan.   CFA staff can also assist by visiting your property and providing advice on actions you can take to improve your safety.   For further information contact the CFA Community Safety Staff on 9735 0511.

Roadside Conservation Areas

Please check to see if your roadside is signed as a roadside conservation area.  If it is a designated conservation area then certain considerations should be made prior to any fuel reduction actions. This is designed to protect important native vegetation, reduce soil erosion and the spread of weeds.  A roadside conservation area does not prevent work such as mowing or slashing from being undertaken.  It may simply require work to be carried out in a way that better protects vegetation by varying the timing, frequency and work practices involved in maintaining the area.  Contact the Shire of Yarra Ranges on 1300 368 333 or visit the Yarra Ranges Customer Service Centre closest to you to obtain a Roadside Vegetation Sign Fact Sheet.

 When do you need to do it?

Any work on your property should be completed by the end of October when Shire Fire Prevention Officers begin their inspection but it is important to remember that your responsibility to control fire hazards continues throughout the summer and ongoing maintenance throughout the year can save you trying to do all the work at once.

Further Information

Should you have any further queries please contact or visit your local Shire of Yarra Ranges Customer Service Centre located at Lilydale, Monbulk and Upwey. Alternatively ring the Shire’s Customer Service Staff on 1300 368 333 or use the Shire internet web site at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au