CFA to give burn off permits in Golden Plains Shire

GOLDEN Plains Shire council has decided the Country Fire Authority will now manage distribution of Schedule 13 Permits to Burn.

The permit, which allows private property owners to burn off stubble on their land during the Fire Danger Period, was previously applied for via council, but now residents will need to contact their local CFA District this 2019/2020 season.

CFA District 7 (Geelong) serves the Shire’s south, District 15 (Ballarat) the north, and District 6 (Colac) responds in the south west.

District 15 Commander, David Mounier said anyone who obtains a permit to burn off needs to be acutely aware of its conditions and those of the environment.

“Take care and don’t get over ambitious,” he said. “Make two piles. A small pile with your fire, and another pile with material that you’ll feed the fire from. It’s going to be easier to control, contain and extinguish.

“It’s very important that people comply with the conditions of their permit, and remain aware of the local weather conditions, particularly the day they’re planning to burn, and the days following.

“You might think your burn off’s extinguished but then it might pop up tomorrow in high winds and temperatures,” Mr Mounier said.

If weather conditions change or a total fire ban day is called when someone has planned a burn off, their permit will be suspended.

Those planning a burn off should contact the Burn Off Notifications number, 1800 668 511, and register with the call centre so public concerns can be eased if they do call 000.

District 7 (Geelong) can be contacted on 5240 2700, District 15 (Ballarat) on 5329 5500, and District 6 (Colac) 5232 5600.