CFA is calling on the community to stop private burn-offs today (17 April) due to the current windy weather conditions across the state.
Firefighters have responded to more than 50 grass and scrub fires today – at least a dozen of those were escaped private burn-offs.
CFA State Duty Officer Peter Baker said people should not be burning off in these weather conditions.
“Burn-offs can escape quickly and become difficult to control in the current strong winds Victoria is experiencing,” he said.
“Several parts of the state are still very dry with high fuel loads. When a grass fire starts, it can travel faster than you can run.
“People are unnecessarily putting their own lives at risk and their loved ones at risk.
“We are also asking community members to check any private burns from the past couple of days to ensure they are fully extinguished.”
For more information on burning off see the Burning Off section of the CFA website.
With many Victorians out camping enjoying the extra-long Easter weekend, we ask them to avoid lighting campfires in these windy conditions.
A reminder to ensure campfires are extinguished with water, not soil.
Please keep yourself and your loved ones safe and have a Happy Easter.