I READ with interest in Tuesday’s Central Western Daily reports from last March regarding a fire in land opposite Torulosa Way, and as I look over the area from my back fence, which was partially incinerated last year, I am met by swathes of six foot-high phalaris drying to a crisp as each day passes.
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The inaction from the land’s owner, council and rural fire service with regards managing this fire risk is mystifying given the scenario from last year’s fire that resulted in damage to many fences and near misses for homes and sheds.
Last year’s fire was ferocious and travelled fast. If a child or adult were for whatever reason in the paddock at the time they would now be deceased, they would not have any idea the fire was approaching due to the height of the grass and even if they did have time no human could have outrun the blaze.
It is no secret to those that live east of the railway line that council responses to issues in these areas are indifferent at best (just look at the Kurim Shopping Centre eyesore).
Now a foreseeable risk has been identified there would be surely some legal recourse for anybody who became adversely affected by any subsequent fires if no fire prevention measures are implemented.
I have lived in this area for many years and am aware that in the past council would arrange for the mowing of the block and charge the owner, and while procedures and policies may have changed maybe somebody should pose the question of what price a human life.