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CFA Ends The Fire Danger Period In Bass Coast

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) ended the fire danger period for Bass Coast on 15 April 2013.

By Bass Coast - 23rd April 2013 - Back to News

CFA Group Officer for Bass Coast, Damien O’Connor, said the decision to end the fire danger period, also known as fire restrictions, was made following a review of weather, rainfall figures, grass growth and the dryness of the grass and bushes in the area.

"While the CFA’s seasonal restriction on lighting fires in the open has been lifted, restrictions still apply under Council by-laws," Mr O’Connor explained.

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community and Economic Development Director, Steven Piasente, confirmed the Local Law is in place to regulate burning off year round.

"Different circumstances apply for residential and rural areas," said Mr Piasente.

"Open air and incinerator fires are not permitted in residential areas at anytime."

However, Mr Paisente explained that Council and the CFA had worked together to prepare guidelines for burning off in rural areas. The guidelines apply except during the fire danger period and on days of total fire ban, when burning off is prohibited.

"Any rural property owner who is considering burning off should have a copy of these guidelines," Mr Piasente said.

"They aim to protect the safety and comfort of all residents and visitors. The guidelines include important information like making sure you have enough water on site and a fire break.

"As a courtesy, tell your neighbours you are planning on burning off. Call the Vicfire Burn Off Line on 1800 668 511, so you don’t get a fire truck at your property and risk a fine from Council."

Both Mr Piasente and Mr O’Conner stressed that although the fire danger period had ended, it was important for the community take extreme care when burning off on rural land.

Council’s Burning Off Guidelines for Rural Property Owners are available at our website www.basscoast.vic.gov.au under Services>Environmental Management>Land and Catchment Management or by contacting Council on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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