BURNING-OFF restrictions will be eased on small properties during October.
Open air burning is permitted 9am-4pm, Fridays and Saturdays, on blocks between 500-1500 square metres, provided that the property is within Mornington Peninsula Shire’s bushfire prone area; the burn-off is for fire prevention; no more than one cubic metre of vegetation is burnt at any one time; the fire is not within 10 metres of any neighbouring dwelling, and the general fire safety provisions are followed at all times.
The easing of restrictions on land less than 1500 square metres aims to assist owners reduce fine fuel in the lead up to the fire season.
Outside of October, open air burning is not allowed on properties smaller than 1500 square metres, while fire regulations for land more than 1500 square metres and more than 40,000 square metres remain the same.
Those planning to burn off are reminded that smoke may impact on other people’s health, especially those with asthma, with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions, the elderly and young children.
The effect of the coronavirus pandemic on people’s respiratory systems is also important to consider before burning off.
Residents are encouraged to think twice about whether they need to burn off this year, or if it can wait. Before starting a burn off tell neighbours and follow regulations or laws set down by the CFA or the council.
Residents burning off must notify adjoining landowners/occupiers 24 hours prior, call 1800 668 511 at least two hours before to log the fire with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority, establish a three metre fire break cleared of all flammable material, and ensure the fire is supervised by an adult at all times.
They must ensure they have sufficient fire protection equipment available, that the burn load is dead and dry prior to lighting (no green waste) and ensure the wind speed is less than 20kph.
Details: visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/openairburning or call the Environment Protection Unit 5950 1050.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 6 October 2020
