Hillcrest Fire Brigade has contained a burn-off from spreading, after the fire escaped into a nearby tree.
Crews were called to reports of a tree fire at Woori Yallock just before 9pm on Thursday night, arriving to find the fire had crept up the trunk of a nearby tree.
“The owner didn’t realise the fire was going to spread from his bonfire into the tree, but he did the right thing and called us when he noticed the fire had spread right up the tree,” said Lieutenant Rachelle Poulton.
“We knocked out all the flames quickly but hung around to make sure any hotspots that came up were hit with more water.
“We saw very strong winds the following day and those winds were already starting to pick up when we arrived.
“Now is the right time to be preparing your property and burning-off, but you really need to be checking the weather conditions and making sure it is appropriate to do it.
“We were fortunate that this resident was keeping an eye on the burn-off. This really shows how important it is to never leave them unattended, as it could easily have spread to other trees.”
Burn-offs should be registered via the Fire Permits Victoria website (https://firepermits.vic.gov.au/), or by calling 1800 668 511 to ensure the burn could be added to the statewide register.
Keep your burn-off safe and legal:
- Check fire restrictions with your local council and register your burn-off via the Fire Permits Victoria website (https://firepermits.vic.gov.au/), or by calling 1800 668 511.
- Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind
- To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand
- Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn
- Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading
- Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration
- If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately
- For more information about burning off, go to cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff