As temperatures begin to heat up, CFA has urged residents in the state’s North West in particular to take extreme care when burning off.
CFA State Duty Officer Lachie Redman said that with Very High fire danger ratings in the Mallee today and tomorrow, residents should reconsider any burn-offs they were planning to do and check back on any burn-offs from recent days to make sure they were adequately extinguished.
The fire danger rating is also High in Wimmera and South West today, and High in Wimmera, Northern Country and East Gippsland tomorrow.
The couple of hot days forecast across the state will culminate in gusty winds, thunderstorms and lightning on Wednesday afternoon and evening, before a cool change moves across the state bringing rainfall.
State Duty Officer Redman reminded residents to reconsider any burn-offs today and tomorrow, particularly in the North West.
“Even if you have registered your burn, conditions can change quickly and fires can get out of control within minutes in hot and windy conditions,” he said. “The effects of an out-of-control fire can be devastating.”
Fire restrictions are already in place across parts of the North West of Victoria, with parts of the West and North East of the state expected to follow in the coming weeks.
SDO Redman has encouraged residents to clean up their properties before the bushfire season, but to hold off with burn-offs until suitable weather conditions.
“We’re reminding people to always register their burn-offs so we know what is happening in the area, especially if brigades are being called to fires,” he said.
“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.”
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 with your local council and register your burn on 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