As temperatures begin to heat up, Healesville CFA has urged residents to take extreme care when burning off.
CFA Captain Graeme Bates reminded residents to register their burn-off always check local conditions to make sure it is safe to burn off and never leave a burn unattended.
“Even if you have registered your burn, conditions can change quickly and fires can get out of control within minutes in hot and windy conditions,” Captain Bates said.
“The effects of an out-of-control fire can be devastating, and we want everyone to exercise extreme caution.”
Captain Bates has encouraged residents to take advantage of the window of opportunity to clean up their properties before the bushfire season.
“We’re reminding people to always register their burn-offs, so we know what is happening in the area. It’s also a good idea to let your neighbors now you are burning off. It reduces the chance of CFA brigades being called out unnecessarily if a member of the public calls about smoke or a fire in the area.”
He added that people must never leave a burn-off unattended as it’s the resident’s responsibility to ensure that it does not get out of control. “When we are called out to a burn off by the resident, it is often because they left it thinking it was out, and then returned to find it going again and getting out of control”.
“When you are burning off, make sure you have cleared vegetation around your burn for three meters and that there are no overhanging trees near the burn.
If the wind speed is greater than 15 kilometres (leaves and small twigs are in constant motion) then don’t risk it – wait for another day”.
“If a burn-off does get out of control, call ‘000’ immediately. People should have a fire plan and prepare for the event of fire, and never be complacent.”
Keep your burn-off safe and legal:
Check fire restrictions with your local council and register your burn on 1800 668 511
Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind
To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand
Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn
Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading
Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration
If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately
