Clean up before fire restrictions
Residents are being urged to clean up their properties ahead of what local authorities predict will be a long and hot summer.
The CFA has also hinted at fire restrictions being introduced as early as mid-November.
CFA district nine operations officer David Chugg encouraged residents to be proactive by cleaning up properties now and ensuring they register any burn offs.
Mr Chugg said the district nine leadership group was discussing options for fire restriction introduction.
“We’re certainly looking at a long and hot summer,” said Mr Chugg. “We’re obviously asking the community to be proactive.”
October gave a wake-up call of what may come this summer, with several small fires reported.
The month saw maximum temperatures average 23 degrees, only 15.2mm of rain and three days record above 30 degrees.
In October 2014, maximum temperatures averaged 19.5 degrees, 106.6mm of rain was recorded and just one day reached a temperature in the 30s.
CFA assistant chief officer Trevor Owen said the timing of fire restrictions depended on factors like weather conditions, weather predictions and dryness of grassland and forests.
“As the hot, dry weather has hit unseasonably early this year, fire restrictions in Gippsland are likely to be introduced earlier than usual, possibly by mid-November,” said Mr Owen.
He said CFA and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) want to remind people to clean up around their houses and properties in plenty of time before the restrictions if they are planning to burn items such as leaves and branches.
“Cleaning up can often involve burning debris, leaves, branches, or burning off stubble and grassland on farms and rural properties,” said Mr Owen. “We urge householders and landholders to reduce the risk of fire by planning, preparing and conducting any burning activities, large or small carefully and safely, particularly if they are close to the bush.”
Before lighting up, register your burn-off with VicFire on 1800 668 511 or email burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au.
Keep your burn-off safe, never leave it unattended, monitor weather conditions and have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.