By Olivia Condous
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has warned Victorians to be vigilant about containing private fires.
A statement from Victoria CFA on Wednesday March 30 said that while summer is over and fire restrictions have ended, high risk days could still occur in autumn and Victorians should take care with open fires.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffenan said people should take extreme caution when undertaking burn-offs in areas where the Fire Danger Period has ended or when lighting campfires.
“Unfortunately, many vegetation fires start from escaped campfires and recreational fires, it’s vital to know how to properly light and maintain a campfire to make sure it doesn’t go bush,” Mr Heffenan said.
“Before lighting a fire, check fire restrictions and weather conditions, not only the day of your fire but in the following days when a badly extinguished fire can flare up in warm and windy weather.”
Ballan CFA captain Ben Hatfield said while the brigade had been fortunate with quieter fire seasons in recent years, Moorabool residents needed to maintain caution when conducting burn offs.
“If you are burning off in the fire danger period, make sure that you have your permits in place and burn plans in place and adhere strictly to those,” Mr Hatfield said.
“Outside of fire season, people need to make sure that they have enough water on hand and a good cleared area.”
Mr Hatfield encouraged residents to reach out to their local council or fire brigade if they required any further advice.
