Firefighters are reminding residents not to forget that a “zero tolerance” policy is still in full swing, despite some days of cooler weather.
Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade last week warned residents that the fire restriction period across Moorabool Shire remained in force.
Dale Salathiel, Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade 4th lieutenant, said that even in cooler temperatures during summer there was a chance of fires escaping or getting out of control.
He reminded residents that the zero tolerance policy was in force until the end of the fire restriction period. During that time, it is illegal to ignite, light or cause a fire without a permit.
“Even with cooler weather and rain conditions, it doesn’t exempt nor give the right to members of public to light or start to burn off,” Mr Salathiel said. “The fire danger period is put in place to reduce risks and reduce calls to unnecessary fires so firefighters can work hard and fast on other fires.”
Mr Salathiel said if residents were unsure about burning fires they should refer to the CFA document Can I or Can’t I? or contact the CFA or the Moorabool fire prevention officer directly.
“As a community we should together try to achieve a safe fire danger period for everyone.”
Mr Salathiel said the community could also refer to the Bacchus Marsh Fire Birgade official Facebook page for messages about fire
safety.
He said smart-phone applications could also be “handy” in times of fire.
“Apps are important as they can be to the point and can notify you quickly,” he said.
But he said it was important to keep in mind that phone services could be impacted by
fire.
Mr Salathiel said there were multiple apps to consider, including the CFA Fire Ready App.
Last week, another app, the Emergency Aus app, became available in a new version, which is free to everyone in Victoria.
The app helps people in the middle of a fire, flood or other natural disaster to make life-saving decisions.
The apps are available on iTunes and Google Play.
