The Fire Danger Period will end at 1am on 10 March for the Yarra Ranges.
The lifting of fire restrictions will mean that residents in bushland and rural areas of Yarra Ranges will be allowed to burn off excess vegetation, provided they meet the conditions for their area listed on the Yarra Ranges Council website (available when the Fire Danger Period ends).
Burning off is prohibited in urban areas of Yarra Ranges year-round, with exceptions for chimineas and fire pits used for personal warmth and comfort.
Burning off is prohibited during the months of June and July for residents in bushland areas.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Richard Higgins said it was important that residents check conditions before burning off and notify the CFA of their burn.
“The Fire Danger Period’s beginning and end is declared by the CFA, using local information about moisture levels and fire risk, but even when the danger period is ending, residents still need to be very conscious of burning off and how to do so safely,” he said.
“Anyone burning off after the danger period is over must check the rules about burning off on the Council website after 10 March.
Landowners can register their burn-offs with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au.
“If you’re looking to dispose of excess vegetation, other than burning off, residents can access
Council’s green waste bins, or dispose of green waste at their local waste transfer station for a
Fee,” Cr Higgins said.
District 13 Operations Manager David Renkin said that while fire restrictions were still in force a zero tolerance policy will continue to be enforced for those people responsible for illegal fires.
“Residents that wish to conduct burn-offs on their private properties need to follow some basic rules; register your burn-offs first and foremost, check weather conditions and monitor the wind, and follow local council laws and regulations,” he said.
