Leafy gutters are a bushfire hazard

In recent times many Victorians have become increasingly concerned regarding the risk of bush fire. Fire fighters advise homeowners to remove all combustible material from gutters, block your downpipes and flood the guttering system with water as part of the precautions taken against an approaching bushfire.
 
Some reports suggest that houses with open fireplaces and active chimneys on the roof are greatly at risk as the burning embers exit the chimney and can end up in the guttering.