By Rowan Forster
Ratepayers living within earshot of abandoned, graffiti-laden properties around Pakenham fear their overgrown gardens and wild weeds are a fire hazard.
It comes as the Country Fire Authority appears set to implement a total state-wide fire ban on Thursday and Friday, amid extreme temperatures and a high risk of a blaze.
Richard Blackmore, who lives on Eagle Drive, is dubious of a vacant property nearby – which he suspects is being used by squatters for suspect activities.
With the dry season in effect, he fears an arson attack could be catastrophic for the neighbourhood.
“A lot of these abandoned properties, you hear that they’re used by people as a hideout, and then eventually they torch it to burn the evidence,” he said.
“Then there’s also all the shrubs that are a huge bushfire hazard.
“I would have hoped the council would try and keep it under control, but I don’t even know if it’s their responsibility.”
Homeowners are encouraged to keep their gardens, lawns and any shrubs at a reasonable length to prevent the risk of a hypothetical fire spreading.
Another resident, George, who didn’t want to reveal his surname – shamed a nearby flat which had become inundated by weeds.
“These things are about seven foot high, so you’d hate to think what would happen if a grass fire came through,” he said.
“It would turn into a full blown fire.
“People should be getting fined when they’re failing to maintain it – whether it’s the tenants or the landlords or whoever.”
In recent years, Cardinia Shire Council has cracked down on residents ahead of the fire season, inspecting gardens and private properties.
In other parts of the shire, fire prevention burns have been undertaken by Parks Victoria and the CFA to reduce the risk of a bushfire.
Anyone who is concerned about overgrown plantations or shrubbery is urged to contact council.
