CFA is urging Victorians to take extreme care when burning off after responding to a high volume of out-of-control burn-offs over the weekend.
Firefighters across the state attended more than 30 burn-offs which had spread out-of-control, or weren’t registered with authorities.
CFA State Duty Officer Craig Brownlie said rainfall earlier in the year had resulted in a significant amount of vegetation growth.
“We understand residents want to conduct private burn-offs in areas where fire restrictions have ended, but we ask the community to follow some basic rules,” he said.
“We’re urging people to do the right thing by checking conditions and registering their burn-offs.
“Burning off undergrowth and other vegetation is generally permitted outside of the Fire Danger Period, however landowners should register their burn-off with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511.
“Any calls to Triple Zero about smoke sighted at particular locations are cross-checked with the burn-off register. When nothing is listed firefighters are required to attend.
“Calls to unregistered burn-offs take volunteer firefighters away from workplaces, families and potentially genuine emergencies.
“So if you haven’t registered your burn you can expect fireys arriving at your property asking you to ‘please explain’.”
Landowners can also reduce the risk of a fire spreading by never leaving a burn-off unattended and checking the weather forecast. You should never burn off in hot, dry, or windy conditions.
“If a fire is left unattended in windy conditions it can spread quickly and put neighbouring properties, homes and bushland in danger,” he said.
“People should also leave a three-metre fire break, free of flammable materials around any burn-off.”
Keep burn-offs safe:
- Check regulations set down by the CFA (www.cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff) or your local council.
- Register your burn with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA).
- Notify neighbours at least two hours before starting the burn.
- Check the weather forecast for the day of the burn and the days afterwards.
- Establish a fire break of no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material.
- Make sure there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely.
Author: CFA Media