Victoria’s fire services have joined forces to remind people to apply for a permit if they need to use open fire this fire season.
Fire Rescue Commissioner for Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Ken Block said that over the coming days and weeks, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) would declare the commencement of the Fire Danger Period for regional and outer Melbourne municipalities across Victoria.
“Each area of Victoria enters the Fire Danger Period at different times, based on local conditions and the risk of grass and bushfires,” Commissioner Block said.
“During this period the use of fire is restricted in the community,” he said.
“However, if you need to use open fire for work, to undertake burn-offs, or for other essential activities during this time, you can apply for a permit online.”
Commissioner Block said the permit system played a crucial role in helping fire and rescue authorities manage fire risk across the State and strongly encouraged anyone who used open fire for work or other activities to apply for a fire permit.
“Your permit will outline methods for undertaking your planned activity safely, and will enable fire authorities to communicate with you on high-risk days, or if conditions change,” he said.
Chief Officer of CFA, Jason Heffernan said the multiagency online permit system created an integrated approach with Victoria’s fire and rescue services, local governments and municipal fire prevention officers.
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of Forest Fire Management Victoria, Chris Hardman said the system allowed permit holders to notify Agencies when approved permits would be used, including for planned burns.
“This frees up the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority to focus on their core work of call-taking and means our firefighters will not be dispatched unnecessarily,” CFO Hardman said.
Further information on the open fire permits can be accessed at this PS News link.
