By Victoria Stone-Meadows
The fire danger period in the South-East has ended – but the CFA is warning people not to become complacent about the dangers of fire.
The fire danger period for CFA District 8 officially ended at 1am on Monday 27 March in the City of Casey, Cardinia Shire Council, and the City of Greater Dandenong.
District 8 also covers the cities of Frankston and Kingston, and the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
CFA operations manager Mark Kennedy said due to the high rainfall and above average vegetation growth, there would be more private burn-offs than usual for this time of year.
He has urged people to pre-register their burn-offs with the CFA to avoid causing a false-alarm call out.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Kennedy said not only can these false-alarms result in fines but are a waste of firefighter’s time and resources.
“Calls to unregistered burn-offs result in firefighters and fire trucks being unavailable for other emergencies and also takes volunteer firefighters away from their workplaces and families,” he said.
“So if you haven’t registered your burn you can expect some disgruntled firies arriving at your property asking you to ‘please explain’.”
Landowners can register their burn-off with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au
Anyone planning a burn-off will need to provide basic information when registering their burn including location, date, expected start and finish times, estimated size, and what they intended to burn.
CFA also suggests following these simple safety tips to ensure your burn-off stays under control and within the bounds of the law:
* Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn.
* Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind.
* Warn your neighbours beforehand that there will be smoke in the air.
* Stay in attendance the whole time your burn is going.
* Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.
