CFA is urging residents in District 2 to take extreme care when burning off after responding to a high volume of out-of-control private burn-offs in many of the district’s municipalities.
CFA Operations Manager Bill Johnstone said firefighters had responded to as many as 14 out-of-control grass fires in District 2 over the long weekend, many of which were a consequence of ill-prepared property owners.
“We encourage residents to take advantage of the window of opportunity to clean up their properties before the bushfire season, but the effects of an out-of-control fire can be devastating,” OM Johnstone said.
“It is vital people do the right thing by checking conditions, complying with local by-laws and registering their burn-offs. A two-minute call is all it takes to register the burn.
“It is absolutely essential that 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.
OM Johnstone said registering burn-offs 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,” OM Johnstone said.
“False alarm calls to unregistered burn-offs take volunteer firefighters away from workplaces, families and other emergencies.”
If you light a fire without a permit during the Fire Danger Period, you could be charged with breaking the law. Penalties may include a fine up to $19,342 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment.
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