Locals are being reminded to register their burn-offs on the Fire Permits Victoria website to prepare properties for the upcoming fire season.
The website is a one-stop-shop to register burn-offs before the fire danger period starts, or apply for a permit after the fire season begins.
More than 85,200 burn-offs were registered or approved in last year’s fire season between October 2021 and May 2022.
Country Fire Authority chief officer, Jason Heffernan, said registering burns or applying for permits was vitally important for community safety.
“The Fire Permits Victoria website allows agencies to communicate with those planning burn-offs in a timely and efficient manner, allowing us to provide consistent and up-to-date advice on suspending or revoking a permit if conditions change,” Mr Heffernan said.
Forest Fire Management Victoria Acting chief fire officer, Allyson Lardner, said the permit system provided agencies with important information to manage fire risk effectively.
“The system allows permit holders to notify fire agencies when approved permits will be used, especially when fire restrictions are in place,” Ms Lardner said.
“This allows authorities to cross-check any well-meaning triple zero calls and avoids our firefighters being dispatched unnecessarily.”
Locals carrying-out burn-offs should follow regulations or laws set by the CFA and council, and notify neighbours if it will generate fire and smoke.
They should also check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind – and leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn area.
Furthermore, they must have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading and make sure it is a properly extinguished fire before it is left.
If the burn-off gets out of control, call 000 immediately.
To register a burn-off, visit firepermits.vic.gov.au, or call 1800 668 511.
