Community
7 May, 2025
Caution urged amid drought
THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) has called for caution when burning off in autumn after new data shows volunteers responded to 936 incidents caused by escaped burn-offs last year.
Fire restrictions across Victoria have begun being lifted across the state, resulting in more residents taking the opportunity to burn off grass, stubble, weeds and undergrowth to maintain and prepare their properties.
While burn-offs are encouraged, landowners are reminded to register any planned burn-offs through the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify and ensure regulations and applicable local laws are followed.
An online registration is the fastest and simplest option and allows Triple Zero (000) call-takers to prioritise emergency calls.
Unregistered burn-offs can not only cause a spike in calls to (000) but also unnecessary callouts for firefighters.
Landowners will be looking to take advantage of the mild autumn conditions and authorities expect a surge in burn-off registrations over the coming weeks.
Triple Zero Victoria chief operating officer Nicole Ashworth encouraged residents to plan ahead and register their burn-off online.
“When someone calls 000 to report seeing smoke we can confirm if it’s recorded on the burn-off register,” she said.
“Check the weather, plan ahead and notify us online through Fire Permits Victoria's website – it’s fast, easy and most importantly, allows our call-takers to focus on emergency calls.”
Acting CFA chief officer Garry Cook said the Fire Permits Victoria website was the preferred platform for community members to register their burns and is just one of many safety steps to take this autumn.
“By registering your burn-off, it allows emergency services to verify the fire is not an emergency, manage fire risk effectively and avoid placing unnecessary strain on local brigades,” Garry said.
“In 2024, over 19,084 volunteer hours were utilised responding to incidents involving escaped burn-offs. Our message is clear – please don’t leave your burn-off unattended.
“We ask landowners have enough people and water on hand to monitor, contain and extinguish their burn-off safely and consistently monitor wind conditions before and after the burning day.”
If you wish to start your burn-off immediately (within two hours), you can register calling 1800 668 511, however early online registration is preferred.
For more information about burning off safely, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff.
Those burning off are encouraged to follow regulations or laws by CFA and local council, notify neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke, check the weather forecast for the day of the activity and a few days afterward and postpone the activity if high fire risk conditions develop.
The easiest steps to maintain safety when burning off is to establish a gap in vegetation or fire break of no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material and have enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.
It is also important to never leave a burn-off unattended.
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