BURN off restrictions on properties less than 1500 square metres will be eased throughout October to allow residents to burn off for fire prevention purposes.
For the whole of the month, open air burning will be allowed on land less than 1500 square metres, but only 9am-4pm, Fridays and Saturdays, provided that:
No more than one cubic metre of vegetation is burnt at any one time, the fire is not within 10 metres of a neighbour’s house, and the general fire safety provisions are followed at all times.
Open air burning is prohibited on properties smaller than 1500 square metres at all other times.
Shire fire prevention officer Damien Taylor said the easing of restrictions on land less than 1500 square metres would assist owners of smaller properties to reduce fine fuel in the lead up to the fire season.
“Residents are reminded that burn-off material should not be wet, or green, and that general fire safety precautions should be taken at all times,” he said.
“It’s a great chance to clean up around your property, but ensure you do it responsibly and safely, and keep your neighbours and local authorities informed.”
Landowners burning off should follow the general fire safety provisions which include giving notice to adjoining landowners/occupiers 24 hours prior to the burn, calling 1800 668 511 at least two hours prior to the burn to log your fire with CFA, as well as establishing a fire break of no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material.
Landowners should ensure the fire is supervised by an adult at all times, that there is sufficient fire protection equipment on hand, that vegetation being burnt is dead and dry prior to lighting, and that the fire site wind speed is not more than 20 kilometres per hour.
Open air burning regulations for blocks more than 1500 square metres and more than 40,000 square metres remain the same.
Details: visit mornpen.vic.gov.au
To determine the size of a property visit the shire’s PenMaps site at gisweb.mornpen.vic.gov.au/penmaps or call customer service on 1300 850 600 or 5950 1000.
First published in the Mornington News – 29 September 2015