Bacchus Marsh CFA was called to almost five illegal burn-offs in a week at the end of January, despite being in the midst of a fire-danger period.
Bacchus Marsh fire brigade 4th lieutenant Dale Salathiel said people were becoming complacent as the weather appeared to cool down.
“We still have hot days in February and March,” he said.
“The anniversary of Black Saturday [was] this weekend … people have to remember there have been significant bushfires during this month.”
Mr Salathiel said vigilance was needed.
“People are still burning off when they shouldn’t be,” he said.
“First of all, the fire danger period is still in place but people think the conditions aren’t bad out there so they think they can burn off.
“Only a few hot days and strong winds are needed before the state could be in strife.
“Rain is helping ease the conditions a little. But if we do get bad weather for a few days, it’s going to dry everything out.
“Some areas haven’t copped any rain and they’re still dry.”
The fire danger period is expected to end in May.
For more information, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au
