CENTRAL Victorians have been warned to take safety seriously at barbecues, campfires and burn offs, as the weather begins to warm.
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Country Fire Authority data has revealed private fires caused more than a quarter of bushfires - at least 6000 - across Victoria during the past 10 fire seasons.
It comes after Loddon and Campapse shires' fire danger period was declared, beginning Monday November 23.
CFA North West Region community engagement coordinator Paul Tangey said it was unsurprising escaped private fires caused so many bushfires, given they encompassed everything from barbecues to camp fires or burn off.
Mr Tangey urged people to have a fire safe summer as they began to get out and about in ways they hadn't for months.
He said the community should remain vigilant around fire wherever they were and whatever they were doing.
Mr Tangey warned people violating the rules faced fines, as well as risking lives and property.
"[The risk of private fire is] the same as any other fire ... if the conditions are bad it has the potential for fires to spread," he said.
To stay fire safe, Mr Tangey said people should make sure wind was low if they were burning off.
Anyone barbecuing should ensure they had a three metre clearance in each direction, including from any shade cloths above, Mr Tangey said.
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He said no fire should be left unattended, including barbecues.
Mr Tangey warned campfires could also smoulder underneath for as long as a week, unless they were dug up from the bottom.
He also warned people to check the expiry date on their fire extinguishers and gas bottles.
Greater Bendigo's fire danger period is yet to be declared for the 2020/21 summer.
In 2019 the fire danger period began on November 11.
A La Nina weather system means experts predict Victoria is less likely to see long-running bushfires this summer.
Find out more about fire restrictions online at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can
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