General News
10 April, 2023
Community urged to take care burning off as fire restrictions come to an end
While the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will end in the Central Goldfields Shire tomorrow allowing residents to begin burning off, the region isn’t out of the woods just yet when it comes fire danger. Although temperatures have dropped considerably in...
While the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will end in the Central Goldfields Shire tomorrow allowing residents to begin burning off, the region isn’t out of the woods just yet when it comes fire danger.
Although temperatures have dropped considerably in the past week alongside some rainfall, Goldfields group of brigades group officer Peter Higgins said caution is still needed — just last week local brigades attended a stubble burn off near Daisy Hill which flared up unexpectedly and briefly burnt out of control.
“Just because fire restrictions are off doesn’t mean fires won’t run,” he said.
“Even thought we’ve had a bit of rain and there’s a bit of a green tinge to things, be a bit careful. Comply with regulations.
“Things that haven’t been attended by farmers, like places leading down to creek sides still have a lot of dry phalaris grass. That’ll be the danger. That top two or three feet of phalaris grass will burn well and travel fast.
“Until we’ve had significant rain, be careful.”
Heading into the cooler months, it’s not just burning off residents should take care with — as heaters are switched on and fires lit for the first time since last winter, it’s a busy time for brigades.
“Fire restrictions ending is also a timely reminder to clean chimneys and service heaters,” Mr Higgins said.
“We tend to get called out to a few fires when people haven’t cleaned their wood fire chimneys or fire places.
“It’s very important to get your gas heater serviced to avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is a silent killer.”
The Fire Danger Period ends at 1am on Wednesday, April 12 in the Central Goldfields and Mount Alexander shires.
Restrictions in the Hepburn Shire will end on April 17.
Loddon Shire restrictions have ended.
The restriction will remain in the Pyrenees Shire until May 1.
For more advice on burning off visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-pre pare/how-to-prepare-your-property/burning-off
For Fire Danger Period end dates in other shires visit www. cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-danger-period-restrictions