Victoria’s fire and emergency services agencies are urging community members to register their burn-offs as they prepare their properties for the fire season.
Chief Officer at the Country Fire Authority, Jason Heffernan said that as fire danger periods (FDPs) were declared in more local council areas, registering burns or applying for permits was vitally important for community safety.
“The Fire Permits Victoria website allows agencies to communicate with those planning burn-offs in a timely and efficient manner, allowing us to provide consistent and up-to-date advice on suspending or revoking a permit if conditions change,” CO Heffernan said.
Acting Chief Fire Officer of Forest Fire Management Victoria, Allyson Lardner said the fire permit system provided fire agencies with important information to manage fire risk effectively.
“The system allows permit holders to notify fire agencies when approved permits will be used, especially when fire restrictions are in place,” A/CFO Lardner said.
“This allows authorities to cross-check any well-meaning triple zero calls and avoids our firefighters being dispatched unnecessarily.”
Acting Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman warned that despite the milder conditions this season, burn-offs could easily escape if not managed and monitored properly.
“Keep your burn-off safe by ensuring you have sufficient water on hand at all times and fully extinguish the burn once completed,” A/Commissioner Freeman said.
“We know burn-offs can flare-up several days afterwards, which highlights the importance of making sure the fire is fully extinguished and keeping an eye on weather conditions not just for the day of your burn but for the following days as well,” he said.
Further information on registering burn-offs can be accessed at this PS News link.
