Community
14 May, 2026
Ensure your burn off is registered
THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) has urged landowners to register their burn offs to avoid unnecessary callouts.
The quickest and easiest way to register a burn off is by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify.
Anyone holding a burn off has also been urged to ensure they are picking appropriate conditions to conduct a burn off to minimise the risk of burns escaping.
CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said people should take care due to unusually warm weather this autumn.
“We have had some rainfall however people shouldn’t become complacent, burning off still needs to be done with care,” he said.
“We know burn offs can flare up several days afterwards, so it’s important residents monitor wind conditions before and after burning off and notify their neighbours to be mindful of smoke.
“If you light a fire to burn off, you own it.
“Please don’t leave your burn off unattended and always make sure it is fully extinguished properly with water.”
An online registration is fast and easy, while unregistered burn offs can cause a spike in calls to Triple Zero and unnecessary callouts for firefighters.
Triple Zero Victoria’s chief operations officer Paul Santamaria encouraged the community to take the very simple step of planning ahead and registering their burn off online.
“When everyone does their bit and registers a burn off online it reduces unnecessary calls, and helps our Triple Zero emergency communications officers to focus on emergencies.
“If you are planning to burn off more than two hours from now, registering online will always be the fastest and simplest option.
“If for any reason you are unable to plan ahead and need to start your burn off immediately (within two hours), you can register by calling 1800 668 511 – however early planning and online registration is preferred.”
Visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff for more information about burning off safely.
Those holding a burn off are encouraged to follow regulations or laws by CFA and local council, notify neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke and check the weather forecast for the day of the activity and a few days afterward.
If conditions are high risk, those hosting a burn off were advised postpone any activity.
Information on hosting a safe burn off such as establishing a fire break of no less than three metres, ensuring there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and to never leave a burn off unattended is available at www.cfa.vic.gov.au.