District 22 Operations Manager Tony Owen emphasised that although the FDP is coming to an end in some areas, it is important to remain vigilant.
OM Owen stated fire restrictions have been extended in District 22 until 1.00am on 13 May and that a zero tolerance policy will continue to be enforced for people responsible for illegal fires. He reminded residents that burning off is prohibited without a written permit while the Fire Danger Period is in place.
“Once we move out of the Fire Danger Period in a few weeks’ time, residents that wish to conduct burn-offs on their private properties need to follow some basic rules; register your burn-offs first and foremost, check weather conditions and monitor the wind, and follow local council laws and regulations.”
OM Owen also highlighted the need for landowners to communicate with authorities and neighbours.
“As well as registering your burn-offs with ESTA, you need to alert your neighbours to the fact that they may see smoke on the set dates.”
“It’s extremely annoying when CFA crews are forced to waste resources responding to false alarms because people are not registering their burn-offs.
“By registering your burn-off, if someone reports that they’ve spotted smoke, the incident will be cross-checked with the burn-off register and prevent an angry CFA crew showing up on your door.”
“False alarms take crews away from family, friends, work and other potential emergencies.”
Landowners can register their burn-off with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au
Whether registering a burn-off by phone or email, people should be prepared to give some basic information including location, date, expected start and finish times, estimated size, and what they intend to burn.
“The burn-off line is very easy to use - the operators are friendly, and prompt you by asking the key questions,” OM Owen said. “When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.”
Keep your burn off safe and legal:
- Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn
- Check and monitor weather conditions - particularly wind
- 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 For more information about burning off, go to cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff