Emergency services are encouraging landowners to register any planned burn-offs online, through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
Landowners will be looking to take advantage of the coming long weekend and spring conditions, ahead of an earlier start to this year’s fire season.
Authorities are expecting a surge in burn-off registrations over the coming weeks.
The quickest and easiest way to register your burn-off is by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify
ESTA’s chief operating officer Nicole Ashworth says while the burn-off registration phone line (1800 668 511) is still available, callers can experience long wait times on days of high demand.
“Using the Fire Permits Victoria website to register your burn-off also ensures ESTA’s fire call takers can focus their efforts on taking emergency triple zero calls,” she said.
“Earlier this year, we experienced days with more than 1200 non-emergency calls to register burn-offs on private land, so we’re encouraging people to start pivoting to the easy-to-use Fire Permits Victoria website.”
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the Fire Permits Victoria website is the preferred platform for community members to register their burns.
“By registering your burn-off, it allows emergency services to verify the fire is a planned burn if Triple Zero (000) receives any good intent calls to report it as an actual fire,” he said.
“Unregistered burns can lead to unnecessary call outs for your local fire brigade.”
The website allows you to notify emergency services of your burn, and also check and apply for a permit, if necessary.
However, if your burn is taking place within the next two hours, you must register your burn via the phone line on 1800 668 511.
For more information about burning off safely, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff
Make sure you:
• Follow regulations or laws by CFA and local council.
• Notify your neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke.
• Check the weather conditions are safe to burn. Postpone your activity if high fire risk conditions develop.
• Establish a gap in vegetation or fire break of no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material.
• There are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.
Never leave a burn-off unattended.
