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Fuel Reduction Burning – Reducing The RiskThe Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and the CFA are working together and with landholders to reduce the risk of burn-offs on private land escaping and to conduct safe and effective burns on public land. By Department of Primary Industries - 14th October 2004 - Back to News Landholders are encouraged to conduct private fuel reduction burns to protect their properties, however, these burns must be carried out with due care and consideration for safety, particularly when private property adjoins public land.
A number of private burns in the east of the region flared up recently in hot and windy weather, causing concern for landholders and the need for assistance from local CFA brigades.
DSE Regional Fire Manager, David Tainsh said that under the Summary Offences Act, landholders are liable for any fire that escapes onto public land, even outside the Fire Danger Period.
"Distraction of both DSE and CFA resources called to deal with escaped burns interferes with the strategically planned fuel reduction burns for public land, where those resources could be more fully utilised," Mr Tainsh said.
Spring fuel reduction burns are planned in the next few months if conditions are favourable.
DSE staff will be working with CFA brigades and local landholders to ensure that the planned spring burns are conducted safely and responsibly.
Private landholders are encouraged to plan and prepare responsibly for their own burns.
Please notify your local CFA brigade when you intend to undertake a burning program and they will be able to assist you with advice on how to do so safely and effectively.
At least two hours before you burn, you are required to notify your neighbours, including your nearest DSE office if your land adjoins unoccupied Crown land.
The community fire education program 'Fire Ready Victoria" (replacing 'Bushfire Blitz') will begin in October, so watch local press for details of when it will be in your area.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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