The Fire Danger Period (FDP) concluded at 1am today (Monday 23 March) in 27 municipalities across Victoria.
CFA State Duty Officer Ross Sullivan said that rainfall in many locations and generally cool conditions across the state meant conditions were now favourable for residents to clean up their properties through burning off.
He urged people to do the right thing by checking local by-laws and registering their burn-offs.
“Every year our brigades get more and more frustrated at the number of false alarm calls they have to respond to as a result of people not registering their burns,” he said.
“It’s important for community members to be aware that any calls to Triple Zero about smoke in the air are cross-checked with the burn-off register.
“Calls to unregistered burn-offs take volunteer firefighters away from workplaces, families and potentially genuine emergencies.
“So if you haven’t registered your burn you can expect some firefighters arriving at your property asking you to ‘please explain'.”
Landowners can register their burn-off with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mr Sullivan said that whether registering by phone or email, people should be prepared to give some basic information about their burn-off, including location, date, expected start and finish times, estimated size, and what they intended to burn.
“The burn off line is very easy to use – the operators are friendly, and prompt you by asking the key questions,” he said.
Keep your burn off safe and legal:
- Check and monitor weather conditions - particularly wind
- Check local laws with your shire or council
- Warn your neighbours beforehand that there will be smoke in the air.
- Stay in attendance the whole time your burn is going
- Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.
Municipalities with Fire Danger Periods ending 23 March:
- Banyule City Council (Those portions not included in the Metropolitan Fire District)
- Bass Coast Shire Council
- Baw Baw Shire Council
- Cardinia Shire Council
- Casey City Council
- Central Goldfields Shire Council
- East Gippsland Shire Council
- Frankston City Council
- French Island
- Greater Dandenong City Council (Those portions not included in the Metropolitan Fire District)
- Hindmarsh Shire Council (Remainder)
- Hume City Council (Those portions not included in the Metropolitan Fire District)
- Kingston City Council (Those portions not included in the Metropolitan Fire District)
- Knox City Council
- Latrobe City Council
- Manningham City Council (Those portions not included in the Metropolitan Fire District)
- Maroondah City Council (Those portions not included in the Metropolitan Fire District)
- Melton City Council
- Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
- Nillumbik Shire Council (Those portions not included in the Metropolitan Fire District)
- South Gippsland Shire Council
- Wellington Shire Council
- West Wimmera Shire Council (Northern Part). That part north of the line described by the following: Elliots Track, Northern Break, Kaniva- Edenhope Road, McDonald Track, McDonald Highway, Nhill Harrow Road and Southern Break.
- Whittlesea City Council (Those portions not included in the Metropolitan Fire District)
- Wyndham City Council (Those portions not included in the Metropolitan Fire District)
- Yarra Ranges Shire Council (Those portions not included in the Metropolitan Fire District)
- Yarriambiack Shire Council (Central Part). That part north of the line described by the following: Dimboola - Minyip Road, Stawell- Warracknabeal Road, C Loats Road and Donald - Murtoa Road
Author: CFA Media