A firebreak may look wide enough on foot, but would a fire truck be able to drive along it, clear overhanging branches and turn around safely?
That is one of the most important questions City of Swan property owners should ask as they prepare for the 2026–27 bushfire season.
Firebreaks and other required fire-prevention work must be completed by November 1, 2026 and maintained until April 30, 2027. Inspections will begin from November 1.
Look at your property through a firefighter’s eyes
A well-prepared property can give firefighters safer access and more room to respond during a bushfire.
On properties larger than 5,000 square meters, firebreaks need to be at least three meters wide, with four meters of clear space above them. They should be close to the property boundary, clear of obstacles and designed so a firefighting vehicle can travel through without becoming trapped at a dead end.
Overhanging branches, stored materials, fences and sharp corners can all make access difficult, even when the firebreak itself appears clear.
Larger properties may also need extra firebreaks, while long driveways and designated emergency access routes have their own requirements.
Bushfire preparation involves more than firebreaks
One of the most common mistakes is focusing on the firebreak while overlooking the rest of the property.
Long grass, thick vegetation, piles of cut branches and flammable material near buildings can all increase bushfire risk. Depending on the size and features of your property, you may also need to manage vegetation fuel loads and maintain an Asset Protection Zone around buildings.
If your property has an approved Bushfire Management Plan, you must follow both the plan and the City’s annual Fire Hazard Reduction Notice.
Even when you hire a contractor, it is worth checking the finished work yourself. The property owner or occupier remains responsible for ensuring all requirements are met.
Take care when mowing and slashing
The work involved in reducing a fire hazard can sometimes start a fire.
Before using a mower, slasher, tractor or other machinery, check Emergency WA to see whether a Total Fire Ban or Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban is in place. Machinery should be properly maintained, free from built-up grass and fitted with an appropriate fire extinguisher when used for mowing or slashing.
Avoid operating machinery in hot or windy conditions, particularly where it could strike rocks and produce sparks.
Not sure what your property needs?
Every property is different. Lot size, vegetation, buildings, access routes and existing approvals can all affect what you need to do.
The City offers a free Fire Hazard Advisory Service for properties in fire-prone areas. An officer can visit your property and provide practical advice before inspections begin.
Visit City of Swan fire information, call the City on (08) 9267 9267 or contact Community Safety on (08) 9267 9022.
For more information, visit our Emergency Preparedness and Recovery page.
That is one of the most important questions City of Swan property owners should ask as they prepare for the 2026–27 bushfire season.
Firebreaks and other required fire-prevention work must be completed by November 1, 2026 and maintained until April 30, 2027. Inspections will begin from November 1.
Look at your property through a firefighter’s eyes
A well-prepared property can give firefighters safer access and more room to respond during a bushfire.
On properties larger than 5,000 square meters, firebreaks need to be at least three meters wide, with four meters of clear space above them. They should be close to the property boundary, clear of obstacles and designed so a firefighting vehicle can travel through without becoming trapped at a dead end.
Overhanging branches, stored materials, fences and sharp corners can all make access difficult, even when the firebreak itself appears clear.
Larger properties may also need extra firebreaks, while long driveways and designated emergency access routes have their own requirements.
Bushfire preparation involves more than firebreaks
One of the most common mistakes is focusing on the firebreak while overlooking the rest of the property.
Long grass, thick vegetation, piles of cut branches and flammable material near buildings can all increase bushfire risk. Depending on the size and features of your property, you may also need to manage vegetation fuel loads and maintain an Asset Protection Zone around buildings.
If your property has an approved Bushfire Management Plan, you must follow both the plan and the City’s annual Fire Hazard Reduction Notice.
Even when you hire a contractor, it is worth checking the finished work yourself. The property owner or occupier remains responsible for ensuring all requirements are met.
Take care when mowing and slashing
The work involved in reducing a fire hazard can sometimes start a fire.
Before using a mower, slasher, tractor or other machinery, check Emergency WA to see whether a Total Fire Ban or Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban is in place. Machinery should be properly maintained, free from built-up grass and fitted with an appropriate fire extinguisher when used for mowing or slashing.
Avoid operating machinery in hot or windy conditions, particularly where it could strike rocks and produce sparks.
Not sure what your property needs?
Every property is different. Lot size, vegetation, buildings, access routes and existing approvals can all affect what you need to do.
The City offers a free Fire Hazard Advisory Service for properties in fire-prone areas. An officer can visit your property and provide practical advice before inspections begin.
Visit City of Swan fire information, call the City on (08) 9267 9267 or contact Community Safety on (08) 9267 9022.
For more information, visit our Emergency Preparedness and Recovery page.