CFA District 22 assistant chief fire officer, Tony Owen has emphasised that it was still important to remain vigilant and to check that conditions are safe for burning off.
“You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” Mr Owen said.
“You are legally responsible for safe burning all year round; failing to monitor fires and prevent escapes may result in legal action.
“Registering burn-offs ensures that if somebody reports smoke, the incident will be cross-checked with the burn-off register, which would then prevent volunteer firefighters being taken away from workplaces, families and potentially genuine emergencies.”
When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.
Keep your burn off safe and legal by checking fire restrictions in your area, checking and monitoring weather conditions, particularly wind.
To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand and leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
Landowners can register burn-offs online at firepermits.vic.gov.au, or call 1800 668 511, or email burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au.
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