The introduction of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) declared Fire Danger Period from 1am on Monday 29 November means fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit.
The CFA Fire Danger Period continues throughout summer until withdrawn by the CFA and restricts activities in the community to help prevent the risk of fires.
The CFA does issue permits in certain situations during the Fire Danger Period, mainly for critical industry, agriculture and other essential purposes. The decision to grant a permit is based on local conditions and takes into account fuel moisture, fuel loads, grassland curing, weather and rainfall.
Conditions in District 22 at present allow the CFA to consider the issuing of permits, at this stage up to 13 December 2021. If you are issued a permit there are very strict conditions attached and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely. At the current time, District 22 operations staff would like to particularly draw attention to adherence to permit requirements in relation to the wind conditions.
"Please read the conditions of your permit carefully and note any stipulations in relation to wind. You should never burn off when winds are high or high winds are forecast – not only on the day of your burn but for the days afterwards", Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer (AACFO) Rohan Taylor said.
"We would also like to remind people that materials from burn offs may smoulder for weeks after the initial burn".
CFA request that people revisit the sites of previous burn-offs and dig in underneath to investigate any material that may still be smouldering. Only material that is 'cool to touch' is 'safe to leave'. Large logs and stumps in the ground should not be lit until autumn when restrictions are lifted, as they can smoulder and burn below ground for weeks. Local CFA Brigades have attended a number of out of control fires recently that have occurred as a result of re-ignitions from previous burn-offs.
Above average rainfall has produced significant grass growth across District 22, which carries with it the risk of fast-moving grassfires this season. Residents are encouraged to remove dry grass and leaf litter from around homes and sheds and store wood and other combustibles away from buildings.
Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice on CFA website. This information is important especially for new farmers, bush block owners or hobby farmers.
