Brimbank residents are being urged to register their burn-offs as they prepare their properties for fire season.
Launched in 2020, the Fire Permits Victoria website is a one-stop-shop for Victorians to register burn-offs with authorities prior to the fire danger period (FDP) commencing, or apply for a permit once the FDP has started.
Last fire season between October 25, 2021 and May 1, 2022, 85,224 burn-offs were registered or approved, including 18,776 through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
Country Fire Authority chief officer Jason Heffernan said that as FDPs are declared in more local council areas, registering burns or applying for permits is vitally important for community safety.
“The Fire Permits Victoria website allows agencies to communicate with those planning burn-offs in a timely and efficient manner, allowing us to provide consistent and up-to-date advice on suspending or revoking a permit if conditions change,” he said.
Forest Fire Management Victoria acting chief fire officer Allyson Lardner said the fire permit system provided fire agencies with important information to manage fire risk effectively.
“The system allows permit holders to notify fire agencies when approved permits will be used, especially when fire restrictions are in place.
“This allows authorities to cross-check any well-meaning triple zero calls and avoids our firefighters being dispatched unnecessarily.”
Fire Rescue Victoria acting fire rescue commissioner Gavin Freeman said that despite the milder conditions this season, burn-offs can easily escape if not managed and monitored properly.
“Keep your burn-off safe by ensuring you have sufficient water on hand at all times and fully extinguish the burn once completed.
“We know burn-offs can flare-up several days afterwards, which highlights the importance of making sure the fire is fully extinguished and keeping an eye on weather conditions not just for the day of your burn but for the following days as well.”
