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Fire Restrictions In Place Early This Year

CFA and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) will be introducing fire restrictions for East Gippsland, Wellington, Latrobe City, Baw Baw and South Gippsland Shires from 0100 hours on Monday October 30 2006.

By CFA & DSE - 24th October 2006 - Back to News

Restrictions will stay in place until April 30 2007 unless stated otherwise.

CFA Gippsland General Manager, Peter Schmidt said that following the introduction of the restrictions (the Fire Danger Period) no fires can be lit on private land without a permit.

"We have introduced fire restrictions earlier than usual this year due to the extreme fire risk in our region following a long period of below average rainfall and the continuing dry conditions," Mr Schmidt said.

"To protect our communities, permits to light fires are subject to stringent conditions and are only obtainable from the Municipal Fire Prevention Officers at your local Shire office."

Mr Schmidt said there are also regulations around using welding, cutting and grinding equipment.

"Check with your Municipal Fire Prevention Officer for details on the use of these types of tools," he said.

Landholders are urged to be extremely cautious if they’re planning to burn off in the time available before restrictions are in place and to have discussions with their local DSE and CFA fire staff before lighting any burns.

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"Landholders should maintain appropriate firebreaks, adequately resource any burning activities and provide timely advice to neighbours and fire agencies about planned fire prevention works," Mr Schmidt said.

"However, under the current weather conditions we would advise against conducting any private burning operations."

DSE and CFA are urging all residents to prepare for the increased risk of fire this summer.

"Fire is a natural part of our environment and Victoria has days of extreme fire danger every year, but this year we are particularly concerned after attending so many fires in the region already," Mr Schmidt said.

DSE Regional Fire Manager, David Tainsh said both fire services were well-resourced to respond to the threat of bushfire, with additional fire fighters, more training of personnel and new and upgraded equipment and infrastructure.

"DSE and CFA fire season preparations are based on consultation with the wider community and sound planning and risk management processes. However it is vital that residents understand and comply with fire restrictions to prevent the occurrence of unplanned fires," he said.

For further information about bushfires contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on free call 1800 240 667. You can also request a copy of "Can I/Can’t I? which outlines what you can and can’t do during the Fire Danger Period and on days of Total Fire Ban.


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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