Knox mayor calls for fire safety

The fire danger period for the city of Knox came into effect on Monday (January 7) as bushfires take hold of much of the country.

The heat and fires in New South Wales and South Australia over the last few weeks have prompted the council to take action.

Those who own real estate in the city of Knox must abide by instructions set out by the council to ensure that homes are preserved and lives are kept safe.

Knox mayor Karen Orpen implored locals to devise a plan if the potential for fire ever comes to fruition.

She said: "If you haven't got a plan, please sit down with your family, and talk about what you should do.

"One good discussion around the dinner table could make all the difference. It could save your family's life."

Ms Orpen asked locals to go around their property and examine what could potentially turn into a fire hazard. Under the fire danger period, councils retain the power to instruct residents to cut their lawns if the grass grows beyond 20 centimetres.

Failure to abide by such an instruction or any directive relating to fire safety can result in a $1,410 fine.