Firefighters caution against illegal burn-offs

On arrival, they found an illegal burn-off in the backyard of the house that was so big that the smoke could be seen over the top of the house from the street in front of it.

Shepparton FRV senior station officer Mark Whitehead said the residents were burning what appeared to be a mattress, some cupboards and green waste.

He said the call-out served as a reminder to people that burning off in towns in the City of Greater Shepparton was illegal and against council by-laws.

“The only fire you can have is for heat and warmth and that’s got to be in a fire pit or fire drum, and be materials that aren’t offensive,” Mr Whitehead said.

He said the items that were being burnt could be recycled at the tip or go to the tip as green waste.