Burn ban ends, but danger remains

THE official fire danger period has finished – but the threat of fires still remains.
The fire danger period for the south-east will end at 1am on Monday 11 April, but the region’s fire manager John Francis urges everyone to stick to protocols.
“Grass fires travel faster than you can run; they can threaten properties within minutes,” Mr Francis said.
“We’re urging people to do the right thing by checking conditions and registering their burn-offs.
“Every year our brigades get more and more frustrated at the number of false alarm calls they have to respond to as a result of people not doing the right thing.”
Mr Francis said residents who wanted to conduct private burn-offs on their properties needed to follow some basic rules, and be aware of weather conditions and local council laws.
“Be aware that any calls to triple-zero about smoke in the air at particular locations are cross-checked with the burn-off register. When nothing is listed, firefighters are required to attend,” he said.
“Calls to unregistered burn-offs take volunteer firefighters away from workplaces, families and potentially genuine emergencies. If you haven’t registered your burn you can expect some firies arriving at your property asking you to ‘please explain’.”
Burning off undergrowth and other vegetation is generally permitted outside of the fire danger period.
To register a burn-off with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) call 1800 668 511 or email burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au