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Yarriambiack Shire Council will start its annual fire hazard identification program from October 18.

The program involves inspections of all residential properties in towns across the municipality.

Inspections will start in the northern end of the municipality, which pushes deep into the Mallee, and progress to the south of the shire in the Dunmunkle area by the end of October. 

Failing to comply with a Fire Prevention Notice issued under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 within the specified time can result in a property owner getting an infringement notice totalling $1820.

Council chief executive Jessie Holmes said all property owners had a responsibility to maintain their land by slashing dead or long dry grass and removing fuels such as dead branches or piles of cut vegetation.

“As a property owner, it is your responsibility to reduce the threat a fire poses to your home and your surrounding neighbours,” she said.

Ms Holmes said predictions were that the 2021-2022 fire season would start earlier than usual given the onset of warm and drier weather.

She said people seeking further information on how to prepare their properties could call the council’s fire-prevention officer Craig Byron on 5398 0100 or visit CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property.