MORE than 1600 properties in the City of Whittlesea have been found to have fire hazards.

Whittlesea City Council has issued 1644 compliance notices after inspecting 45,000 properties for fire risks.

Council’s emergency management co-ordinator Griff Davis said most of the notices related to long grass.

“Council has adopted a zero-tolerance position with property owners who do not comply with fire prevention notices,” he said.

Property owners could be up for a $5850 bill if they don’t comply with fire safety regulations after receiving a notice.

“Follow-up compliance inspections are taking place and where problems are not rectified by landowners, council will clear properties at owner expense,” Mr Davis said.

Grass cannot exceed 10cm on properties less than 2.6 ha. If grass is higher than 10cm on larger properties, they need a 20m-wide fire reduction zone around their boundaries.

Last week, council did controlled burns in the Quarry Hills and Mill Park Lakes Estate.

After consultation with the CFA, council will also clear high-risk fuel loads within 100m of homes in Eden Park. Mr Davis warned property owners that as of Monday, when the fire danger season opens, they would need a permit for reduction burns.

“Woody weeds including blackberry are seen as a major contributor to fire risk and should be primary targets for landowner clearing,” he said.

Controlled burns will only take place if the temperature is below 32 degrees Celsius.

For information about fire safety regulations, call council’s local laws department on 9217 2170.