Fire restrictions loom

As the weather heats up this week, local residents are being urged to complete property clean-ups with fire restrictions “not far away”.

“The message is for people to get out and do clean-ups while they can,” said CFA region nine operations officer Ricky Read. “If they (fire restrictions) are not on by late November, I’d be surprised.”

Based on the outlook, Mr Read said the CFA was working four weeks ahead of its normal preparation schedule. He urged locals to do the same.

Fire restrictions were introduced in East Gippsland and Wellington shires yesterday (Monday). However, no date has been set for Baw Baw Shire.

Mr Read said many locals were still in winter mode after a horrid start to spring. However, with temperatures set to reach 30 degrees this week, fire restrictions were “not far away”.

While urging locals to complete property clean-ups, Mr Read said looking at the conditions was vital.

A few burn-offs escaped two weeks ago after being ignited in windy weekend conditions.

“They really need to take in the local weather at the time,” said Mr Read.

Whilst lighting fires on a weekend or day off was important to ensure supervision, he said waiting for cooler and calmer weather was equally important.

Mr Read added any fire should only be left when “completely out and completely safe”.

For further information, visit cfa.vic.gov.au.