Moorabool – still in fire danger
Residents of Moorabool are warned that the fire danger period (FDP) has now been extended.
District 15 Operations Manager Brett Boatman said fire restrictions have been extended in District 15 until 1.00am on 13 May, and that a zero-tolerance policy will continue to be enforced for people responsible for illegal fires.
Mr Boatman also reminded residents that burning off is prohibited without a written permit while the Fire Danger Period is in place.
“Once we move out of the FDP in a few weeks’ time, residents that wish to conduct burn-offs on their private properties need to follow some basic rules; register your burn-offs first and foremost, check weather conditions and monitor the wind, and follow local council laws and regulations.”
Mr Boatman also highlighted the need for landowners to communicate with authorities and neighbours when burning off, in order to avoid CFA crews responding to false alarms.
“By registering your burn-off, when somebody reports that they’ve spotted smoke, the incident will be cross-checked with the burn-off register and prevent an angry CFA crew showing up on your door.”
“False alarms take crews away from family, friends, work and other potential emergencies.”
Landowners can register their burn-off with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing [email protected].
Whether registering a burn-off by phone or email, people should be prepared to give some basic information including location, date, expected start and finish times, estimated size, and what they intend to burn.
“The burn-off line is very easy to use – the operators are friendly, and prompt you by asking the key questions,” Mr Boatman said.
“When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.”
For more information about burning off, go to cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff.