THE CFA is urging landowners in the cities of Frankston and Kingston and Mornington Peninsula Shire to register burn-offs and avoid unnecessary call-outs.
With the official end of the fire danger period on Monday (27 March), CFA operations manager Mark Kennedy said there would be a lot of private burn-offs over the next few weeks due to vegetation growth caused by heavy rainfalls at the start of the year.
He urged people to check conditions and register their burn-offs.
Mr Kennedy said every year firefighters had to respond to calls from the public concerned about smoke in the air from unregistered burn-offs.
He said this left firefighters and fire trucks unavailable for other emergencies, and took volunteer firefighters away from their workplaces and families.
Landowners can register their burn-off with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au
Mr Kennedy said people should give information about location, date, expected start and finish times, estimated size, and what they intended to burn.
Other precautions include checking fire restrictions and weather conditions, warning neighbours, staying nearby and having sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 28 March 2017
