EMERGENCY services are urging landowners to take extra precautions before an expected surge of planned burn-offs this month.
CFA volunteers responded to 936 incidents caused by escaped burn-offs across the state last year as landowners looked to take advantage of the mild autumn conditions to burn-off grass, stubble, weeds and undergrowth to maintain and prepare their properties.
CFA and Triple Zero Victoria expect a surge in burn-off registrations over the coming weeks with fire restrictions eased across the state.
Triple Zero Victoria chief operating officer Nicole Ashworth encouraged residents to plan ahead and register their burn-off online.
“When someone calls 000 to report seeing smoke we can confirm if it's recorded on the burn-off register," she said.
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“Check the weather, plan ahead and notify us online through Fire Permits Victoria's website - it's fast, easy and most importantly, allows our call-takers to focus on emergency calls.”
Acting CFA chief officer Garry Cook said the Fire Permits Victoria website is the preferred platform for community members to register their burns and is just one of many safety steps to take.
“By registering your burn-off, it allows emergency services to verify the fire is not an emergency, manage fire risk effectively and avoid placing unnecessary strain on local brigades,” he said.
“In 2024, over 19,084 volunteer hours were utilised responding to incidents involving escaped burn-offs.
“Our message is clear – please don’t leave your burn-off unattended.
“We ask landowners have enough people and water on hand to monitor, contain and extinguish their burn-off safely and consistently monitor wind conditions before and after the burning day.”
If you wish to start your burn-off immediately (within two hours), you can register calling 1800 668 511, however early online registration is preferred.
To register planned burn-offs online, visit the Fire Permits Victoria Website: www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify
For more information about burning off safely, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff.
