With fire restrictions easing in some parts of the State, and calm autumn conditions, hundreds of private resident burn-offs, agricultural burns and planned burns are expected to take place over the coming weeks.
While current conditions are ideal for burning, weather patterns may cause smoke to linger over parts of the state overnight and through to early morning.
FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said our climate is changing and that means finding the right days for safe and effective planned burning is also changing. Planned burns are a critical part of a statewide bushfire risk management program.
“FFMVic’s number one priority is to protect life, property and the environment from the risk of bushfires, and that is what we will continue to do,” he said.
“Reducing fine fuels such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and fallen branches means fires are less intense and slower to spread, making it more likely that firefighters can keep bushfires small and contained before they pose a risk to communities.
“We must go ahead with the planned burning program while conditions are suitable, and it is safe to do so to avoid an increased fire risk in the future,” he said.
While the Fire Danger Period has ended in some areas, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it is still important that residents check the local conditions are safe and appropriate for burning off.
“When conducting private resident burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.
“We ask the community to register their burn-off as this ensures if someone reports smoke, the incident can be monitored and acknowledged early.”
For the latest information about when and where planned burns are happening near you, visit www.plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au.
Keep your burn off safe and legal:
• Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511
• 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 Triple-000 immediately.
