CFA shares advice ahead of extreme heat

The CFA's fire danger period began on Monday, November 23 for Greater Shepparton and the Moira and Strathbogie shires, meaning fires in the open require a permit to be lit.

CFA District 22 assistant chief fire officer Tony Owen stressed burning off was not permitted.

“Property owners can still use machinery to clean up their property such as mowers and slashers, but cannot burn off or burn rubbish,” he said.

“We’re issuing permits for agricultural purposes or for the necessary use of fire. This includes things such as disposal of items that may cause a biosecurity risk.

“We also suggest farmers that use scare guns to apply for a permit — these have a history of creating fires if they are not properly maintained.”

Mr Owen added slashing was permitted but reminded people to ready themselves for the risk of starting a fire.

“We’ve had a fairly busy couple of weeks already, with a lot of fires that were caused by slashers mowing dry grass,” he said.

“We expect people to be slashing grass but they must ensure they have firefighting equipment on hand in case a fire starts.

“We ask that when people are cutting grass or crops that they do have firefighting equipment with them, and if a fire does get out of control that they call 000 as soon as possible to ensure the CFA crews can get on to it straight away.”

And with many expected to go camping locally, Mr Owen said the importance of campfire safety should not be overlooked.

“We’re aware with the ring of steel lifted there is likely to be an influx of tourists, and we’re urging people who camp or are going out into the bush to ensure they’re acting in a fire-safe way,” he said.

“DELWP, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Parks Victoria and the CFA find ourselves going out to a lot of campsite fires that have been left unattended.

“People pack up and head off without extinguishing their fires and it’s very dangerous.”