Southern Grampians Shire residents can prepare for
burning off this weekend after the CFA yesterday revised the date of fire
restrictions ending to next Monday, April 22
West Wimmera, Northern Grampians, Ararat and Horsham
are just a few of the nearby areas that have already had their restrictions
lifted but the CFA left a handful of areas in the state under limitations due
to the recent dry February and March, including Moyne and Glenelg.
The CFA has also reminded people they still expected
the grassfire risk to remain across the state so it was important to remain
alert and prepared.
CFA South-West deputy chief officer, Adrian Gutsche
said conditions have changed significantly in the past several weeks and
prompted an early finish to the fire danger period.
“We encourage people to exercise caution once
restrictions are lifted,” he said.
“All burning off must be conducted in compliance with
municipal local laws.
“There was real potential in the region for fires prior
to this due to the late onset of summer, several high fire danger days and
considerable drying of all available fuels.
“Communities have really played their part by being
vigilant and understanding the risk to ensure there were no damaging fires that
could have put us at risk.
“We’re urging everyone to stay safe, whether you’re
living in or travelling to high bushfire risk areas.
“Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy
days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk.”
The end of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will be an
opportunity for some landowners to burn-off again, however it’s important that
residents check that local conditions are safe before undertaking these
activities.
“You must register your burn-offs, check weather
conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” Mr Gutsche said.
“Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or
fire is reported, the incident is cross-checked with our register, which
prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding.
“When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always
have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.”
If possible, landowners should also notify their
neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take
necessary precautions.
EPA warning on materials
In the lead-up to the lifting of restrictions as
residents are likely to build piles, the EPA have also issued a warning for
landholders to be careful what they toss into the flames while burning off this
autumn as it could be costly for the environment and their hip pocket.
EPA Southwest regional manager, Carolyn Francis, says
many waste items create toxic smoke and residue as they burn.
“Burning farm waste like silage wrap, old tyres and
chemical drums sends smoke and other residue into the atmosphere, waterways and
soil,” she said.
“Don’t let a routine burnoff turn into something that
contaminates your land or neighbouring properties; send any waste to a properly
licensed landfill or recycling facility.”
Common waste materials from the farm can be recycled
into building and fencing materials and products like floor matting.
If you are burning fallen trees or other natural wood,
make sure they are as dry as possible to limit the volume of smoke, and farmers
should make sure they have any relevant council or CFA permits.
Timber from buildings, furniture or other manufactured
products is not safe to burn because it has probably been chemically treated.
The EPA can fine offenders more than $9000 for burning
anything other than vegetation-sourced matter like timber and crop stubble.
“Farmers understand how important a clean environment
is to their livelihood and their community,” Ms Francis said.
“By thinking twice about what goes onto the pile when
burning off, you can protect the environment from contaminating the soil, water
and air around your farm and your neighbours.
“You can also protect yourself from a hefty fine, which
we won’t hesitate to issue if we find evidence on illegal matter getting
burned.”
Keep your burn off safe and legal: • • Check fire restrictions in your area and
always register your burn at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au
• Check and
monitor weather conditions – particularly wind.
• To avoid
unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand
• Leave a
three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
• Have
sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.
• Never leave a
burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration.
• If your
burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately.
• There’s a
handy publication dealing with waste disposal and recycling on the EPA website
at bit.ly/3U2J4dc
• Tips for
looking after your health when there is smoke can also be found on EPA’s
website.
