Victorian emergency services are urging community members to plan ahead and register their private burn-offs online to reduce unnecessary work for emergency call takers these school holidays.
As Fire Danger Periods come to an end across the state, hundreds of Victorians are expected to take advantage of the cooler autumn conditions in the coming weeks to conduct private fuel reduction burns.
The Fire Permits Victoria website is the easiest option for Victorians to register their burn-offs with authorities.
Landowners who plan on undertaking burns in areas not under fire restrictions are reminded that registering private burns is vital to community safety and keeping authorities up-to-date on all planned fire activity across the state.
While community members can still register their burns with ESTA by calling 1800 668 511, using the Fire Permits Victoria website frees up ESTA call takers to focus on urgent emergency calls.
Registering your burn-off allows authorities to cross-check triple zero calls from the community about smoke or fire sighting and avoid firefighters being dispatched unnecessarily.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook said the Fire Permits Victoria website is the preferred platform for community members to register their burns, especially ahead of what will be a busy school holiday period.
“By registering your burn-off, it allows agencies to communicate with you in a timely and efficient manner, should we need to provide consistent and up-to-date advice on suspending or revoking a permit if conditions were to change,” he said.
ESTA Director Operations Andy O’Connell said “using the Fire Permits Victoria website to register your burn-off ensures ESTA’s fire call takers can focus on emergency triple zero calls.
“We’ve seen a high volume of non-emergency calls this week and expect similar numbers today as Victorians undertake burn-offs ahead of forecast wetter weather.”
People undertaking burn-offs in the coming weeks are reminded to:
- Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
- 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.
| Submitted by |
CFA Media, ESTA Media |