Displays when Total Fire Ban in force
This morning we were called to yet another burn off out of control, yet another one on this warm long weekend. People just don’t use their common sense, or bother to check what they should do in advance. This person did bother to call us and also register the burn, but that’s where the good things stop.
Less than 15 minutes after we were first notified we were called to say the burn was out-of-control … less than 15 minutes is all it took. On arrival we discovered a huge old gum tree fully involved, and it took two trucks and 12 Woodend members more than 2 hours to bring it under control, including felling the very dangerous tree, to ensure the fire was out.
He had just piled branches around the base of the tree and set it alight.
There was no clearing of a fire break.
No water was on hand as is regulated, and no tools to extinguish a fire.
Also a permit had not been obtained considering the size of the fire.
So, it is likely the person will be fined for their recklessness.
Please check the MRSC website and search Burning Off so that you know exactly what you can and can’t do, and what you should and shouldn’t do.
It would be nice for our volunteers to also enjoy the weekend.
