By Callum Ludwig
Despite the temperature hovering around 30 degrees and the Fire Danger Period remaining well and truly in force, CFA crews in the Upper Yarra attended a pair of disappointing callouts on Tuesday 14 January.
CFA crews were notified of two separate illegal burn-offs in Seville East and Warburton in the morning.
District 13 Assistant Chief Fire Officer David Renkin said both fires were promptly extinguished.
“This serves as a timely reminder that burning off during the Fire Danger Period (FDP) is prohibited without a permit due to the heightened fire risk,” he said.
“Permits can be obtained at firepermits.vic.gov.au or through your Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or CFA District Office,”
“Lighting an illegal fire can result in fines exceeding $21,800 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment. For more information, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can.”
The Seville East burn-off was called in at about 8.20am on the corner of Sunnyside Drive and the Warburton Highway and the Warburton incident occurred at about 10.40am on Lincoln Road.
The Fire Danger Period for the Yarra Ranges began on Monday 23 December and unless residents gain a permit from CFA or a municipal fire prevention officer, no open air fires can be lit.
Those who do obtain a permit must adhere to its conditions, must have a person in attendance at all times while the fire is alight, have the capacity and means to extinguish the fire if needed and make sure the fire is completely extinguished before the person leaves. These measures are also encouraged anytime a burn-off is conducted, as well as register a burn-off online at firepermits.vic.gov.au, by calling 1800 668 511 or by filling out a Burn Off Notification Form and emailing it to burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au.
If you have any green waste to dispose of once the Fire Danger Period is in place, please do so by placing it in your FOGO bin or making the most of a Bundled Branches collection.
