Authorities make burn-off call out

THE States firefighting authorities have made a combined call for people to register their burn offs ahead of this summer’s fire season.

Ongoing rains and damp conditions have seen a late start to fire danger periods in many regions, however, Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it’s important landowners register their planned burn offs.

“The Fire Permits Victoria website allows agencies to communicate with those planning burn offs in a timely and efficient manner, allowing us to provide consistent and up-to-date advice on suspending or revoking a permit if conditions change,” he said.

Burn offs can be lodged via the firepermits.vic.gov.au website, or by calling Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority on 1800 668 511.

However, as the ESTA service are the same call takes that receive 000 calls, authorities urged people to use the website to limit impacts on the emergency lines.

Forest Fire Management Victoria Acting Chief Fire Officer Allyson Lardner said permits meant emergency services were aware risks to landholders and the wider community.

“The system allows permit holders to notify fire agencies when approved permits will be used, especially when fire restrictions are in place,” she said.

“This allows authorities to cross-check any well-meaning triple zero calls and avoids our firefighters being dispatched unnecessarily.”