Now is the time to prepare properties for the fire season

Published on 12 August 2026

With another fire season approaching, Hepburn Shire Council is encouraging property owners to begin preparing their properties now, rather than waiting until temperatures rise and fire danger increases.

Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said that Hepburn Shire is one of Victoria's most bushfire-prone municipalities, with almost half of the Shire covered by native vegetation.

“Combined with a significant amount of fallen trees and vegetation remaining from severe storm events in recent years, these conditions contribute to an elevated bushfire risk each summer,” he said.

Council's annual Municipal Fire Prevention Program plays an important role in reducing fire hazards across private land and helping to protect lives, homes, businesses and the broader community.

“The best time to prepare a property is well before the Fire Danger Period begins. Every year we encourage residents to start early. Leaving property maintenance until late spring can make it harder to find contractors, dispose of green waste or safely complete the work before conditions become hot and dry," said Cr Clark.

Council encourages actions such as slashing long grass, removing excessive leaf litter, trimming vegetation around buildings and managing fuel loads.

As part of this year's education campaign, Council will host a series of free online Municipal Fire Prevention Program Information Sessions throughout September and October. The sessions will explain how Council's Municipal Fire Prevention Program operates, what property owners are responsible for under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958, how inspections are carried out, and answer many of the common questions Council receives each year.

For more information about the Municipal Fire Prevention Program, upcoming online information sessions and practical advice on preparing your property, visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/Emergencies