Following a year that saw CFA volunteers respond to 936 incidents caused by escaped burn-offs, both CFA and Triple Zero Victoria are urging landowners to take extra precautions before lighting up.
With fire restrictions easing across the state, some residents are now taking the opportunity to burn off grass, stubble, weeds and undergrowth to maintain and prepare their properties.
While encouraged, landowners are reminded to register any planned burn-offs online through the Fire Permits Victoria website and ensure regulations and applicable local laws are followed.
An online registration is the fastest and simplest option and allows triple zero call-takers to prioritise emergency calls.
Unregistered burn-offs can not only cause a spike in triple zero calls, but also unnecessary callouts for firefighters.
Landowners will be looking to take advantage of the mild autumn conditions and authorities expect a surge in burn-off registrations over the coming weeks.
Triple Zero Victoria chief operating officer Nicole Ashworth said residents should plan ahead and register their burn-off online.
“When someone calls [triple zero] to report seeing smoke, we can confirm if it’s recorded on the burn-off register,” Ms Ashworth said.
“So, 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,” she said.
Ms Ashworth said the Yarra Ranges, Cardinia, Greater Geelong and Macedon Ranges council areas saw the highest number of burn-off notifications last year.
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 this autumn.
“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,” Mr Cook 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,” he said.
“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 2 hours – you can register by calling 1800 668 511, however early online registration is preferred.
For more information about burning off safely, visit the CFA website.
Details: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff
