MESSY BLOCK: Orange councillor Ron Gander wants landowners to take responsibility to ensure their [properties are not fire hazards. Photo: LUKE SCHUYLER 0130lsgrass
AN overgrown vacant block in the middle of Bletchington Street is a fire hazard says neighbour Kerry Nonnenmacher and he wants it cleaned up.
Mr Nonnenmacher is so concerned about the block he has asked Orange councillor Ron Gander to intervene on behalf of concerned residents in the street.
“It’s a disgrace, it’s going to burn someone out,” Mr Nonnenmacher said.
He says he has contacted council several times in the past couple of years to complain about the block and is frustrated nothing has been done.
“I’ve also seen snakes over there,” he said.
Cr Gander said residents in the area were terrified a fire would spread from the large block to adjacent houses.
“This is about irresponsible landowners putting lives and homes at risk,” Mr Gander said.
“I want council or someone to be able to act immediately on stuff like this before there’s a tragedy.”
Mr Gander said the Rural Fire Service (RFS) had already inspected the site and spoken to neighbours about the property.
Canobolas RFS assets and infrastructure officer Steve Smith said, while he could not comment on the Bletchington Street property, it was up to landowners to do the right thing when it came to fire prevention.
“Everyone has a duty of care to ensure fire doesn’t escape their property,” he said.
Mr Smith said the RFS received hundreds of requests for property inspections from people concerned about potential fire hazards and a fire mitigation officer was sent to inspect the sites.
If the area is deemed a hazard the landowner is issued with a notice to clear the fire hazard, he said.
tarcey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au