Property inspections and fire prevention
In the lead up to, and during summer, our Municipal Fire Prevention Officers conduct property inspections to check for fire hazards.
If we identify a fire hazard on your property:
- we will issue you with a Fire Prevention Notice (FPN) outlining the work you need to do and by what date
- your property will be re-inspected to ensure the fire hazard has been removed.
If you do not comply with the conditions on the notice you may be issued a $1,923 infringement, plus any costs associated with completing the works.
Can I apply for an extension?
If you have received a Fire Prevention Notice and are concerned about completing the works in time, you can request an extension by completing the form attached to your notice.
You will be notified in writing if your request has been successful.
Typically, most extensions are for bailing of hay or contractor availability, and we are happy to give people more time for a legitimate reason. However, all applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Extensions will not be granted over the phone.
Is there a list of local contractors that I can contact to complete the works?
We can’t recommend any specific contractors, but local slashing and mowing contractors often advertise their services in community newsletters and local newspapers.
You can also search for ‘slashing contractors’, ‘slashing and mowing’ or similar (include ‘Macedon Ranges’ in the location field) in the Yellow Pages.
Just be sure to do your own homework to make sure they’re the right fit for you.
I have questions about my FPN. Is there someone I can speak with at Council?
Yes. Call our customer service team on (03) 5422 0333 and let them know you’d like to speak with one of our Municipal Fire Prevention Officers.
They will log your request and one of our officers will call you.
I’m concerned that my neighbour’s property may be a fire hazard
If you are concerned that a neighbouring property is a fire hazard, call our customer service team on (03) 5422 0333. They will log a report and our officers will assess if a property inspection is required.