The official Fire Danger Period remains in place and authorities have responded to a number of burn-offs conducted without a permit along with unattended campfires in recent days, leading the CFA to renew calls to be safe when it comes to fire.
Cooler weather does not prevent grass and other fine fuels being very dry, meaning fast-spreading fires remain possible, and District 22 assistant chief fire officer Tony Owen said people should not forget their responsibilities.
“Not only do these kind of incidents put the community at risk, they place a drain on CFA resources,” he said.
“I would much rather our volunteers be spending their valuable time with their families, rather than attending a campfire that someone has irresponsibly left unattended or a burn-off that someone has taken the liberty of lighting without a permit.”
With many visitors hitting the region to camp now that COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease, Mr Owen stressed the importance of stated guidelines being followed.
Among other restrictions, campfires must be lit in a proper fireplace or a 30 cm-deep trench and the fire should be no more than one square metre in size. A fire is only safe to leave when it is cool to touch.
“Eased COVID-19 restrictions have meant that we can return to doing many of the activities we enjoy and it is wonderful to see people back and taking advantage of the fantastic camping spots that our district has to offer, however people should be mindful that they have legal obligations to ensure that if they light a campfire it is safe and compliant,” Mr Owen said.
Full information of you can and can't do during the Fire Danger Period can be viewed at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can
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