Vic Farmers allowed permits to burn

Locals may have seen smoke in the distance coming from farms last week as farmers begin to prepare for the sowing season.

To make it easier for Victorian farmers to obtain a permit there is now a new system for applying for a fire permit with a dedicated online site for digital permits.

The new online system will be initially available for landholders in selected municipalities where CFA has been issuing permits in previous years.

Where council has been issuing permits, the existing process is likely to continue for this season.

Fire Permits Victoria is a website that allows Victorians to create an account to apply for fire permits during a period when fire restrictions are in place or on a day of total fire ban (TFB). The website also allows a person to notify authorities of the use of a permit during a period when fire restrictions are in place or TFB; and a burn-off during a period when fire restrictions are not in place.

The permit holder must comply with permit conditions and must notify the planned use of a granted permit through the home page ‘Notify’ tab to reduce 000 brigade call outs.

Mr Owen also said that all burn-offs must be registered, either via the online system or through the Burn-off notification line on 1800 668 511.

Any permits issued during the current conditions will include as a minimum requirement 3000 litres of water, three people in attendance and a four metre break around the perimeter and four metres around any trees or stands of trees within the area to be burnt. Light up time, not before 5pm.