Preparing your property for fire
It is important that all residents are aware of their own responsibilities and that they take action to reduce the risk of bushfire in their community.
Reduce the fuel load on your property
- Mowing or slashing grass and weeds to less than 10cm in height
- Clear out roof gutters of leaves and debris
- Rake up and remove fine fuels such as leaves, branches and twigs. Find out if we are offering free green waste disposal or get information about burning off outside the fire danger period
- Prune low branches from around buildings and fences
- Store flammable liquids and woodpiles away from the house
- Face LPG cylinders vent pipe away from the house and store securely in an upright position.
- Prepare your bushfire plan, see below
Find out more useful information on the CFA How to prepare your property page.
Rural and semi-rural properties
- Reduce grass and other flammable materials for at least 10 metres around dwellings, your boundary fence and neighbours’ assets.
- Create a firebreak of 10 metres around the perimeter of any allotment boundary that adjoins a township or residential area.
- Make your stock safe - build a fire safe area or paddock which has adequate water supply and is not surrounded by thick vegetation, trees, long grass or haystacks
Find out more useful information on the CFA Fire management for farms page.
Make sure you have a bushfire plan
It is essential that you have a bushfire plan that includes what you and your family will do on a fire risk day.
Visit the CFA website for detailed information on how you can Prepare your bushfire plan.
Removing trees and shrubs for fire prevention
Do you need a permit to remove trees and shrubs on your property?
Depending on where you live you may be able to remove trees and shrubs on your property without a permit, to reduce the risk of bushfire.
If you live within a Bushfire Management Overlay this exemption is considered under the 10/30 rule or 10/50 rule. This means you can clear vegetation within 10 metres of an existing building and clear vegetation (other than trees) within 30 or 50 metres of an existing building.
To find out which exemption applies to you or for more information, visit the Planning Victoria page or speak to one our planners.
Still unsure if you need a permit?
If you’re still unsure about the requirements for removing trees and shrubs on your property speak to one our planners.