Reducing your risk of fire

Published on 27 October 2025

Cleaning gutters for fire prep

Did you know Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world?

As we head into another Fire Danger Period, now is the time to get organised and protect yourself and your property from fire.

Our Municipal Fire Prevention Officer conducts inspections each year to identify fire risks around Banyule. All property owners must reduce fire hazards and maintain their properties through the Fire Danger Period.

Check your property regularly, keeping in mind changing weather conditions, and put in place a maintenance schedule through to April. If you need help with clearance work, arrange a local contractor to do the required work to ensure compliance.

No burning off is allowed in Banyule during the declared Fire Danger Period. At other times, a permit is required.

Fire Danger Period

The Country Fire Authority declares the Fire Danger Period for each municipality at different times in the lead up to the fire season. During the Fire Danger Period, the use of fire is restricted to help prevent fires from starting.

Fire prevention checklist

Fuel reduction is one of the most important precautions that you can undertake. Make sure you:

  • slash or mow grass around the home and outbuildings
  • remove tree limbs, branches, leaf litter and twigs from around your home
  • maintain a 20m fuel reduction zone around your home (greater if on a slope)
  • clear around trees and remove dead branches, prune lower limbs and cut back branches overhanging any roof
  • keep gutters and roofs clear of leaf litter, twigs and debris
  • stack firewood away from the house and, as always, check your smoke alarms regularly.

Seasonal conditions may result in regrowth of vegetation after the initial slashing or mowing. It is important to maintain fire prevention steps throughout the Fire Danger Period.

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