Surf Coast authorities warn against illegal burn offs

From left: Torquay CFA firefighters Grant Howard and Jackson Dawson, Leading Senior Constable Steve Wrigley, Torquay CFA Captain Phil Campbell, Torquay Senior Constable Gerard Allman, and Surf Coast Shire fire prevention officer Darren Spicer.

THE Surf Coast Shire joined with police and firefighters last week to warn residents about the danger of illegal burn offs.

With the shire now in a Fire Danger Period, burn-offs are not permitted for those without permits.

Surf Coast CFA commander Wayne Aylmer said conducting burn-offs without permission was highly dangerous.

“Illegal burns represent a serious risk to the community.

“Such fires can get out of control, and if they’re not extinguished properly they can flare up again after people have left the site.”

Surf Coast police Senior Sergeant Robert Willby said because of these risks the police were being vigilant in catching any offenders.

“Already police have attended several illegal burns this year, and frankly there is no excuse.

“We all want the same goal of experiencing a safe summer and police are on hand to support our community and CFA colleagues to achieve this goal.”

Offenders can face prosecution, with the CFA Act ruling that people who start illegal burns can receive up to a year in prison and a $20,000 fine.

The shire’s fire prevention officer Darren Spicer said people needed to understand the fragility of the environment.

“Beautiful as it is, Surf Coast Shire is one of the highest fire risk regions in the world – we all need to understand the risk and will need to take personal responsibility.”

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) says the below average rainfall over the past four years and the above average temperatures forecast means vegetation will be particularly dry this fire season.

Fires are thus expected to occur more regularly and be harder to control.

FFMVic also advises people not visit parks and forests during these days and to be observant of the weather around them.

While people who get permits can conduct burn-offs during Fire Danger Periods, Total Fire Ban Days restrict people from burning off under any conditions.

For more information about restrictions during fire danger periods, head to cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/about-the-fire-danger-period.

People are also encouraged to phone 000 if they see or smell smoke.