General News
16 January, 2023
Police, CFA issue strong warning to community on dangers of illegal burn offs
Emergency services have a no tolerance approach to fires deliberately lit during the Fire Danger Period (FDP) and with fire brigades and police called to three local incidents already this month, have been left frustrated by a lack of compliance...
Emergency services have a no tolerance approach to fires deliberately lit during the Fire Danger Period (FDP) and with fire brigades and police called to three local incidents already this month, have been left frustrated by a lack of compliance.
Brigades and police have been called to properties in Napier and Burns streets in Maryborough, as well as Halls Road in Talbot where residents have deliberately lit burn offs during fire restrictions.
Under the FDP, which came into force on December 19 in the Central Goldfields Shire, a fire cannot be lit in the open air unless you have a permit or the fire complies with certain requirements.
Fire restrictions are enforced throughout summer to reduce the risk of fires starting in the community and Goldfields Deputy Group Officer Robert Durbridge said it’s both concerning and disappointing to see so many incidents in the first two weeks of the year.
“We bring those restrictions in to limit the ability for people to light fires and the reasoning for that is to reduce the risk of having a significant fire event which can cause the loss of property and even loss of life,” he said.
“I think a lot of people don’t get that that’s why these restrictions are in place, they might have a bit of rubbish or some leaf litter and think burning it won’t hurt, but there is a significant risk of a fire developing when restrictions are in place — they’re enforced for a reason and it’s concerning that message isn’t getting through.
“People need to think about the service we’re providing — we’re there to protect the community and will continue to do that, but attending calls like these where people should know better leaves a nasty taste in your mouth.
“It’s very selfish to be burning off during the FDP, those people are only thinking of themselves and they need to stop and think whether their actions may endanger a neighbour’s property or ultimately their life.”
Fire brigades in the district are called to deliberately lit burn-offs during the FDP each year and Mr Durbridge said beyond being careless, it takes a toll on volunteers.
“There just seems to be a complacency where people think it’s okay to light fires and that mindset is irresponsible,” he said.
“People don’t realise that when the fire brigade turns out, everyone on that truck is a volunteer and we get enough work during summer without having to attend callouts like that.
“Getting calls because people have done the wrong thing burns us out as volunteers, it gets beyond a joke and the same goes for false alarms.”
It’s a sentiment that’s being echoed by local police, who attend illegal burn-offs and can issue property owners with a fine of up to 120 penalty units or 12 months’ jail.
Maryborough Police Sergeant Wendy Lambert said the disregard for fire restrictions was alarming, with property owners who had lit burn-offs unaware of the FDP.
“Maryborough and surrounding police service areas have had five fires reported over the past two weeks, three of these fires have been lit by occupiers with lack of foresight over weather conditions and fire restrictions,” she said.
“Our police division has responded to over 20 fires during the same period. Certainly our messaging is to be aware of current fire restrictions and weather conditions before lighting any fires.
“Also for people to remain vigilant during the summer months, if they notice anything suspicious report it.”
Sgt Lambert said there was a high level of complacency about causing fires through reckless behaviour, particularly on high risk days, and said the most common causes of recklessly lit fires were burn-offs, campfires, car exhausts and machinery, bonfires and tools like angle grinders.
Ahead of the FDP, the Central Goldfields Shire Council had also issued 56 Fire Prevention Notices to properties where fire prevention work was required.
“Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour as it is occurring should call Triple Zero (000) and anyone with any information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au,” Sgt Lambert said.
Mr Durbridge said if residents are unsure of what restrictions are in place or what the FDP means for them, information is available on the CFA website or at next week’s Fire Safety Essentials session in Maryborough.
“For people who don’t know what the restrictions are and what they mean for them, jump on the CFA website and do some research, it’s all clearly laid out,” he said.
“Local fire brigades also have community meetings at this time of year or before the fire season and we encourage people to attend those so they can ask questions and find out what they need to know.”
The Fire Safety Essentials session will take place from 7 pm Wednesday, January 18 at the Whirrakee Rise Estate’s Quinn Street playground area, with residents encouraged to attend.
To learn more about the FDP and fire restrictions in place in the Central Goldfields, head to www.cfa.vic.gov.au