Registering burn offs saves on CFA call outs

The CFA has praised Victorians for registering burn-offs after thousands more utilised lockdown to clean up properties this winter compared to last year.

Data has shown 6000 more burn-offs were registered with ESTA between the start of May and the end of August.

CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said it was great news to see so many Victorians doing the right thing.

“Registering your burn-off is important as it means CFA volunteer firefighters are not called out unnecessarily when someone reports smoke, as any reports are cross-referenced with ESTA’s register,” he said.

“We’re not sure if there are more burn-offs, or simply more people doing the right thing, but with almost 57,000 registered through winter compared to almost 51,000 last year, I think it’s a combination of both.

“More people are spending more time at home at the moment and if that means they are choosing to spend more time to clean up their properties before the bushfire season, that’s a good thing.”

Mr Cook said welcome rain in many parts of Victoria over the winter months meant a slight delay to the start of the fire season compared to recent years when the fire danger period started in early September in East Gippsland.

However, the fire danger period is fast approaching, after which the window to conduct burn-offs without a permit closes.

“The best way to defend your homes is to prepare before the fire danger period begins,” Mr Cook said. “This includes cleaning up your gardens, your gutters and removing flammable waste from your yards. Many property owners dispose of this waste with a burn-off, but we also recommend people consider alternative methods such as mulching, chipping or taking green waste to a transfer station.”

Mr Cook reminded Victorians who want to conduct burn-offs on their private properties that they need to follow some basic rules and follow local council laws and regulations.

“When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire,” he said. “Check the weather, winds must be light and temperatures low. Make sure you have sufficient water on hand at all times and fully extinguish the burn once completed.”

Never leave a burn-off unattended and call 000 immediately if it gets out of control.

“Escaped burn-offs or those not conducted properly will result in you being liable for the consequences,” Mr Cook added.

Landowners can register their burn-off with the ESTA by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au.

For more information about preparing your property, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/prepare.