Cool on burn-offs

JUNE and July are smoke-free months across much of Yarra Ranges Shire.
Yarra Ranges Council last week issued a reminder to residents that burning off in Residential Bushland zones is prohibited for the next two months under Council’s Open Air Burning Local Law.
Residents in rural zones can still burn off for fire-prevention purposes, but not on Sundays and smog alert and total fire ban days.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Terry Avery said the restrictions were to help minimise the health and amenity impacts of smoke.
“During June and July, materials tend to be at their wettest and if burnt tend to create excessive smoke. Burning wet material is prohibited under the local law,” Cr Avery said.
Cr Avery said the law aimed to strike a balance between burning off for fuel reduction and reducing the impact of smoke on neighbours and the environment.