SHIRE of Mundaring Rangers have new technology to help them monitor landowners’ compliance with firebreak regulations.

Rangers will use laptops with a connection to their mobile phones which will allow details of properties to be entered straight into the internal network at the Shire’s administration office. A GPS program will be added in the near future.

Community Safety and Health Services Manager Adrian Dyson said the equipment would allow a more efficient process in processing letters to ratepayers not complying with firebreak requirements.

“Our rangers have a large area to cover when inspecting firebreaks, so this technology will help speed things along and get people preparing their firebreaks in time for the fire season,” he said.

“Firebreaks must be installed and maintained from November 30 to March 31. Our rangers will begin inspecting properties from December 1.

“Property owners or occupiers should refer to the Shire of Mundaring Fire and Burning Information Booklet to ensure they meet firebreak requirements.

“During an emergency, fire fighting personnel and fire appliances may need to use established firebreaks to access fires. With this in mind, landowners need to ensure the firebreaks are maintained and clear of any flammable material or obstructions like overhanging branches of trees.”

Information on firebreak requirements, flammable materials and Building Protection Zones is available from the Shire of Mundaring Fire and Burning Information Booklet.

Copies of the booklet are available from the Shire’s Administration Office or can be downloaded from www.mundaring.wa.gov.au