Extra burn off days

YARRA Ranges bushland residents have been given three extra days a week to burn off to help prepare for the looming fire season.
The extra days will give residents more time to reduce fuel on their properties before the fire danger period begins, currently earmarked to start on 18 December.
The new burning off days are Friday, Sunday and Monday each week from 10am to 6pm until 18 December and are in addition to the two usual burn off days – Thursday and Saturday.
Incinerator and open-air burning are allowed without a permit on these days except during days of Total Fire Ban and when the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issues a Smog Alert.
Yarra Ranges mayor Monika Keane said burning off without a permit would be prohibited after the fire danger period was declared.
“Permits are only issued in the fire danger period in very extraordinary circumstances,” she said.
“It’s imperative that people act on their plans to get their property fire ready now.”
Cr Keane said burning off was an important tool to help people keep properties fire safe but that it was crucial for residents to obey the rules:
ONLY burn on days and times allowed.
AVOID burning on unsafe days such as high temperature and high wind days, even if they are days burning is normally allowed.
LOCATE burning piles where smoke won’t impact neighbours.
ONLY burn dry material that is genuine fuel reduction.
DON’T burn green vegetation material that produces excessive smoke.
KEEP fire fuel load within the load limits (one cubic metre in residential bushland).
ENSURE there is a three-metre clearance around and above the area of burning.
HAVE water and tools at hand.
PROVIDE adult supervision at all times.
COMPLETELY extinguish fires when finished.
Cr Keane said residents should also consider options such as green waste collections, private gardening and green waste services and trips to the tip to keep their properties fire safe.
For more information on the rules applying to particular properties contact the Shire’s Customer Service team on 1300 368 333 or pick up a burning off leaflet from a Community Link at Lilydale, Healesville, Yarra Junction, Upwey or Monbulk.