As the Fire Danger Period finishes in the final parts of Victoria on 13 May, CFA has urged residents across the state to exercise extreme caution when burning off.
CFA Acting Chief Officer Gavin Freeman said fire restrictions ended in the final areas of the state at 1.00am this morning.
District 7, 15 and 22, which take in Geelong, Ballarat and Shepparton and their neighbouring municipalities, were the last areas to finish the Fire Danger Period.
Acting Chief Officer Freeman reminded residents that while the Fire Danger Period was now over, it was still important that residents check the local conditions on the day of any burn-off they were considering undertaking.
“Conditions can change quickly and fires can get out of control within minutes in dry and windy conditions,” he said.
“The effects of an out-of-control fire can be devastating and we want everyone to exercise extreme caution.”
CFA also reminds people to always register their burn-offs so Triple Zero operators know what is happening in the area.
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
“It reduces the chances of CFA brigades being called out unnecessarily if a member of the public calls about smoke or a fire in the area,” Acting Chief Officer Freeman said.
He added that people should never leave a burn-off unattended as it’s the resident’s responsibility to ensure that it does not get out of control.
“If a burn off does get out of control, call ‘000’ immediately. People should have a fire plan and prepare for the event of fire, and never be complacent.”
Keep your burn off safe and legal:
- Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn on 1800 668 511
- Check and monitor weather conditions - particularly wind
- Warn your neighbours beforehand that there will be smoke in the air
- 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
Victorians can check the Fire Danger Period for their municipality here.