The fire danger period for Melton ended last week, with the Country Fire Authority saying rainfall and cool conditions meant residents could now clean up their properties.
However, CFA duty officer Ross Sullivan urged people still to do the right thing by checking local laws and registering their burn-offs.
“Every year our brigades get more and more frustrated at the number of false alarm calls they have to respond to as a result of people not registering burns,” Mr Sullivan said.
“Calls to unregistered burn-offs take volunteer firefighters away from workplaces, families and potentially genuine emergencies.”
CFA district 14 acting operations manager Trevor Roberts said it was still important for the community to be aware of fire safety in and around the home.
“The majority do register their burn-offs, but we need to ensure we have better compliance in terms of registering,” Mr Roberts said.
He reminded everyone to check smoke alarms and “change your clock, change your batteries” when daylight saving ended.
“Smoke alarms save lives,” he said. “There have been numerous incidents where smoke alarms have given occupants an early opportunity to evacuate the house.”
Burning off – what you need to know
In Melton, burning off is not permitted on properties smaller than five acres. A permit to burn on properties larger than five acres can be obtained from the municipal fire prevention officer by calling 9747 7200.
Residents must then register their burn-offs with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au
People registering burn-offs need to provide basic information, including location, date, expected start and finish times, estimated size and what they intend to burn.
The fire danger period for Moorabool ends on Tuesday, April 7. For more information about the fire danger period in Moorabool or to register a burn-off after April 7, call 5366 7100.
