CFA firefighters recently extinguished an escaped burn-off in East Gippsland.
CFA is urging Victorians who have recently undertaken burn-offs to take extra precautions as high winds lash parts of the state this evening and into Wednesday morning.
CFA firefighters are responding to out-of-control burn-offs in various areas across Victoria this afternoon, and also responded to out-of-control burn-offs in East Gippsland over the weekend.
Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said with a severe wind warning across much of Victoria today and tomorrow, hopefully residents were avoiding burn-offs in the current conditions.
“Burn-offs can also flare up a couple of days after the burn-off, which highlights the importance of making sure your burn-off is fully extinguished and keeping an eye on weather conditions not just for the day of your burn but for the following days,” he said.
“We urge anyone who has burnt off in the past few days to double check it has been fully extinguished.
“With spring just around the corner and some warmer and drier weather forecast in parts of the state this week, I’d expect Victorians would want to take advantage of that and start preparing their properties for the upcoming bushfire season,” CO Heffernan said.
CO Heffernan said there are some simple steps Victorians can take to keep their burn-offs safe.
“It is vital people do the right thing by checking local conditions before burning off and ensuring they comply with local by-laws and registering their burn-offs. A two-minute call is all it takes to register the burn.
“It is also absolutely essential you have enough water on hand to put out a fire. There isn’t enough time to run back to your house if your fire gets out of control. You should construct a fire break, free of flammable, materials around any burn-off.”
Burning off undergrowth and other vegetation may generally be permitted outside of the Fire Danger Period, but landowners should always check local laws and register their burn-off by calling 1800 668 511.
Property owners have legal obligations when burning off. Failing to comply with local council by-laws and state legislation can lead to a fine.
CO Heffernan said registering burn-offs via the Fire Permits Victoria website (firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling 1800 668 511 would ensure the burn could be added to the statewide register.
“All calls to Triple Zero about smoke sightings are cross-checked with that register, and firefighters are called out if nothing is listed for that location,” he said.
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 (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