A firebreak is a strip of cleared land free from flammable vegetation (or reduced fuel load) that helps stop or slow the spread of bushfires across your property. It’s often required under local council fire-hazard notices.

Deadlines vary by Shire and land size—you’ll typically need to have firebreaks established before the fire-season inspection date (in WA often November) and maintain them through the restricted burning period.

Compliance usually means a cleared strip of specified width (e.g., 3 m wide), with vertical clearance (e.g., 4 m) and minimal dead/flammable vegetation, and maintained year-round on certain land sizes.

Cost depends on many factors: block size, vegetation type/volume, accessibility (steep slopes / remote location), equipment needed, and growth of regrowth. Many contractors ask for a site visit to give an accurate quote.

You should mark any hidden services (electricity, water lines), ensure access is clear, point out boundaries, and let the contractor know about any known obstacles. This helps ensure the work runs safely and efficiently.

Yes. Establishing a firebreak or clearing only covers the initial work. Regrowth of grasses/vegetation needs to be managed—most jurisdictions expect landowners to maintain the cleared/low-fuel state throughout the fire season.

Non-compliance can lead to enforcement by the Shire: fines, mandatory work done at the landowner’s cost, and possibly increased liability in the event of fire damage.

In many cases, simply killing vegetation with herbicide or mowing doesn’t meet the standard for a compliant firebreak (which often needs bare mineral earth and vertical clearance). Always check your local regulations.

It’s wise to book early (before the fire-hazard inspection deadlines) because demand is high. We offer priority scheduling for firebreak and clearing work ahead of the fire season. (Tailor this answer to your business schedule, e.g., “We also offer emergency or after-hours bookings if required.”)

Yes. We can remove or mulch green waste depending on the size and type of material. In some cases, the waste can be safely spread or left to decompose if permitted by the council. Green waste removal can be added to your quote.

Absolutely. We have equipment suited for sloped, uneven, and tight-access sites where standard machinery may struggle. Let us know in advance if there are steep grades, narrow entries, or rocky terrain so we can plan accordingly.

Yes. J&D Slashing & Firebreak Services is fully insured, experienced, and familiar with all relevant local-council and Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) requirements. We ensure all work meets or exceeds compliance standards.

Both. Many clients choose once-off work for inspections, while others prefer an annual or seasonal maintenance plan to stay compliant year-round. We can customise a plan that fits your property’s needs and fire-season cycle.

We service the Perth metro area and selected rural shires, including (but not limited to) Canning Vale, Armadale, Serpentine-Jarrahdale, Murray, Toodyay, Gingin, Chittering, Mundaring, Kalamunda, Rockingham, Mandurah and Bunbury surrounds. If you’re outside these areas, contact us — we may still be able to help.