By Tyler Wright
Dandenong Ranges residents are being urged to register their burn-offs this bushfire season to prevent unnecessary call outs for local fire brigades.
Emerald Fire Brigade Captain Klaus Brodeck said when residents do not log their burns, neighbours may see the fire as uncontrolled and call the brigade.
Mr Brodeck said most years the Emerald Fire Brigade receives in excess of 10 false alarms per summer season, and encouraged locals to log their burns through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
“A lot of people try to take advantage before the fire danger period starts…this year, it’s going to be later than previous years; we’ve seen a bit of a rush just before that fire danger period starts,” Mr Brodeck said.
“We get quite a number of calls from residents who may be concerned of a fire that’s too big at their neighbour’s property or uncontrollable, when in fact we get there and it is well under control, but the fire just hasn’t been logged with ESTA.”
The Fire Permits Victoria website launched in 2020 as a one-stop-shop for Victorians to register burn-offs with authorities prior to the fire danger period (FDP) commencing, or apply for a permit once the FDP has started.
While community members can still register their burns with Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511, using the Fire Permits Victoria website frees up ESTA call takers to focus on emergency calls.
Last fire season between 25 October 2021 and 1 May 2022, 85,224 burn-offs were registered or approved, including 18,776 through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said that fire danger periods are declared in more local council areas, registering burns or applying for permits is vitally important for community safety.
“The Fire Permits Victoria website allows agencies to communicate with those planning burn-offs in a timely and efficient manner, allowing us to provide consistent and up-to-date advice on suspending or revoking a permit if conditions change,” Mr Heffernan said.
Forest Fire Management Victoria Acting Chief Fire Officer Allyson Lardner said the fire permit system provided fire agencies with important information to manage fire risk effectively.
“The system allows permit holders to notify fire agencies when approved permits will be used, especially when fire restrictions are in place,” Ms Lardner said.
“This allows authorities to cross-check any well-meaning triple zero calls and avoids our firefighters being dispatched unnecessarily.”
Fire Rescue Victoria’s Acting Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman said that despite the milder conditions this season, burn-offs can easily escape if not managed and monitored properly.
“Keep your burn-off safe by ensuring you have sufficient water on hand at all times and fully extinguish the burn once completed,” Mr Freeman said.
People undertaking burn-offs prior to the fire danger period and those with permits during the fire danger period are reminded to follow the subsequent advice:
• Follow regulations or laws set by CFA and your local council.
• Register your burn-off via the Fire Permits Victoria website (firepermits.vic.gov.au), or call 1800 668 511.
• Notify neighbours if your activity will generate fire and smoke.
• Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind – on the day and coming days. • Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn. • Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading; don’t leave it unattended • Make sure you properly extinguish your fire before you leave it.
• If your burn-off gets out of control, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Mr Brodeck said people need to check the rules and regulations from their local council, particularly in the Emerald area with two municipalities; Cardinia Shire and the Yarra Ranges Shire.
“You do need to check the council regulations first as in which day of the week, how much you want to burn, what type of materials you’re burning before you log that so you know you’re following the right rules,” he said.
For more information contact:
• CFA: 1300 232 633 or cfamedia@cfa.vic.gov.au • FRV: 1300 173 744 or media@frv.vic.gov.au
• FFMV: 03 8624 3400 or media@delwp.vic.gov.au • ESTA: 1300 783 462 or corporate.affairs@esta.vic.gov.au
You can find the Fire Permits Victoria website at https://firepermits.vic.gov.au/
