Burning off is banned

By Kath Gannaway
BURNING OFF is not on!
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) came into play yesterday – 30 October – effectively banning fires in the open.
Some weeks ago the FDP was set for December, but the extreme weather conditions have resulted in a re-think by the CFA.
Tony Bearzatto, Operations Officer with CFA Region 13 based at Lilydale, said brigades had attended fires which had re-ignited weeks after they were put out.
“Conditions this year with the lack of rainfall are probably similar to, if not worse than, 1983,” Mr Bearzatto warned.
He said members of the community should be vigilant about fires being lit in the open.
“There may be people who are not aware of the restrictions for one reason or another.
“A polite “do you realise restrictions are in place?” is a good way to let someone know but some people won’t feel comfortable about doing that and in that case the fire should be reported and the brigade will respond.
Mr Bearzatto said the penalty for lighting a fire in the FDP can be up to $5000, 12 months in prison, or both.
“A small fire might end up costing someone a fine, or imprisonment, but its the potential damage to both their own life and property, their neighbours’ life and property, and to the bigger community that needs to be on everyone’s minds.”
Mr Bearzatto said the CFA appreciates help from the public but it was important for people to get as much reliable information as they can to respond appropriately.
“Quite often people see smoke in an area and report it and we go out and can’t find anything,” he said.
He said people should report fires, rather than smoke.
All fires need to be reported to ‘000’.
For full details on the Fire Danger Period, get a copy of the CFA’s “Can I, Can’t I” brochure or visit www.cfa.-vic.gov.au.