The fire danger period will end for the Central Goldfields on Monday, April 10, with numerous private burn-offs expected to be conducted in the coming weeks.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
CFA acting operations manager Chris Jacobsen said rainfall early this year had led to significant vegetation growth.
Mr Jacobsen said anyone planning to do a burn-off should check the weather conditions, register their burn-off and adhere to the council requirements.
People have also been advised to notify neighbours, stay in attendance the whole time the fire is burning and ensure they have sufficient water and equipment to stop the fire spreading.
“Every year our brigades get more and more frustrated at the number of false alarm calls they have to respond to as a result of people not doing the right thing,” he said.
Mr Jacobsen said calls to triple zero about smoke in the air in particular locations were cross-checked with the burn-off register and if there was nothing listed, firefighters were required to attend.
“Calls to unregistered burn-offs take volunteer firefighters away from workplaces, families and potentially genuine emergencies,” he said.
“So if you haven’t registered your burn you can expect some disgruntled fireys arriving at your property asking you to ‘please explain’.”
Landowners can register their burn-off with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au.
