DON’T BE AN APRIL FOOL!

Although the Fire Danger Period has now officially ended in some municipalities across Victoria, a Very High Fire Danger Rating has been forecast for much of the state on Wednesday 1 April 2015.
With this predicted Fire Danger Rating and the winds that are expected, CFA are encouraging people not to be an April fool when it comes to burning off. Council by-laws and the Summary Offences Act (1966) apply when fire restrictions are lifted.
CFA District 2 Operations Officer Chris Jacobsen said “the lifting of restrictions allows people to burn off, but we urge the public to contact their local council first as by-laws may apply. For example within the City of Greater Bendigo, if your property is less than 1 hectare in size, no open air fire is allowed without first obtaining a permit.”
The Summary Offences Act (1966) states that when lighting fires in the open air a person must not light or use a fire or carry when lighted any flammable material resulting in the destruction, damaging or endangering of the life or property of others. The Act also states that you cannot leave a fire in the open air of which that person is in charge without leaving another person in charge.
The above activity does not apply to the owner or occupier of any land or a person acting under the direction of an owner or occupier of any land if—
• A fire-break of not less than 3 metres and cleared of all flammable material has been prepared around the perimeter of the area of land; and
• At least two hours before burning is commenced, notice of intention to burn has been given to each owner or occupier of land contiguous to the area of land.
The Summary Offences Act (1966) coupled with any municipal by-laws that are applicable must be followed at all times and penalties apply for doing the wrong thing or allowing a fire to escape.
Mr Jacobsen went on to say that “even with the fire restrictions lifted, burn-offs should be registered by ringing the Victorian Burn Off Notification line on 1800 668 511.”
When burning off you must also consider the weather forecast for the day of the burn as well as the days following.
At all times common sense and care must be taken, and if any damage is caused by your burn that escapes then you may be liable.