Zero tolerance for illegal burns

By Lachlan Ellis

Moorabool Shire is officially in the Fire Danger Period (FDP), and emergency services are warning that there will be no excuses for unpermitted burn-offs.

The ‘Zero Tolerance’ strategy is a joint initiative by Victoria Police, the Pentland Group of Fire Brigades, and Moorabool Shire Council – and with FDPs already being announced across Victoria, the strategy is back in action.

The Zero Tolerance strategy means it is a criminal offence to start a fire, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

During the Fire Danger Period, fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from CFA or a Municipal Fire Prevention Officer. FDPs are based on local conditions, and take into account fuel moisture, fuel loads, grassland curing, weather, and rainfall.

Bacchus Marsh Brigade firefighter Chantelle Dawes said fines would be issued to those doing the wrong thing during the FDP.

“The Zero Tolerance strategy was first implemented during the 2005/06 bushfire season. During the Zero Tolerance period, it will be illegal to start fires and undertake controlled burning, unless permits are issued,” she told the Moorabool News.

“If the Fire Brigade responds to a deliberately or negligently lit fire during the Fire Danger Period, firefighters are obliged to call the police, who will issue a fine. There will be no warnings for offenders who light fires during the period, which can lead to prosecution.”

The declaration of El Nino and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) mean a particularly dangerous fire season is likely – as shown by “a number of burn-offs getting out of control” in November, Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade Captain Nick de Leur said.

“We do also ask that if the Bacchus Marsh Brigade, or any other CFA brigade, attends your property to just remember – we are volunteers who give up our time to help the community.” he added.

The CFA website contains information on “Can I, Can’t I” which provides information on what you can/cannot do during the fire danger period and total fire bans. For more information, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions.

To learn more about the Fire Danger Period, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod.