NUMEROUS call outs to out-of-control burn-offs has prompted the CFA to issue a warning to residents.
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CFA District 02 Commander Mick Hembrow said more common sense was needed from people if they were planning to burn off.
"Given the time of year when everything is drying out, we really want to drive home the message that people have to be careful," he said.
"If you want to burn off, use common sense. Burn now but only when safe to do so. If you're not sure look on the CFA webpage.
"We have guidelines there for burning off. If the wind is over 10km, don't burn off, have it when someone can always be present and to log it so we're aware of it. .
"We really want people log burn offs so we are aware of them. It means we know someone has taken more thought about it rather than just throwing a match down."
On Wednesday, the CFA was called to a number of private burn-offs across areas of the state not yet in Fire Danger Period.
It included a burn-off in Lockwood that was reignited thanks to the wind.
"The occupant told us that the son had a burn-off a couple days before and covered it over with dirt," Mr Hembrow said. "As a result, bit of wind got it across the paddock and into a backyard full of cars.
"(There was) Rochester as well where the hay bales (caught alight), and we had one at Maldon which was the result someone throwing out hot coals from their house's woodfire heater under a cypress tree.
"People just have to be a little more conscious at this time of year."
CFA State Duty Officer Kade Dowie said volunteers had responded to a spate of unregistered fires.
"In this week's hot and windy conditions, we've seen quite a few burn-offs flare up a couple of days after the burn-off, which highlights the importance of making sure your burn-off is fully extinguished," she said.
"We'd urge anyone who has burnt off in the past few days to double check that it has been fully extinguished."
Mr Hembrow said forecast storms for this weekend meant CFA crews would prepare for fires starting from lightning.
"The weather for the weekend could get 30mm of rain in Bendigo," he said. "So we could get a few grass fires from lightning, crews are prepared and ready.
"We have been doing well to prepare for summer season and the pre-fire danger period."
Mr Hembrow said the Fire Danger Period could be in place by mid November.
"At the moment we are looking at November 5," he said.
"The bush is very dry everywhere. Not just one part of (central Victoria) but every where."
A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Mallee for tomorrow.
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