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Fire Restrictions In Force Early This Year

An indication that the CFA and NRE are gearing up for a serious fire season

By DNRE - 11th November 2002 - Back to News

Fire restrictions have been put in place in East Gippsland and Wellington Shires by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) from 0100 hours on Monday November 11.

This year’s dry conditions, the long-term forecast and the number of fires that the region has already experienced have led to the restrictions being enforced earlier in the season than usual.

This is an indication that the CFA and NRE are gearing up for a serious fire season and a reminder to all rural and regional householders and landowners to be vigilant, to plan ahead and to prepare themselves and their properties now for the coming season.

CFA Manager for Region 11, Mark Reid said that for people living in or near the bush, now is the time to clean up around the house, clear the gutters, check water sources and have a plan ready in the event of a fire.

"Don’t wait for the fire to come over the hill towards you; be prepared and know exactly what you can do to safeguard life and property," he said.

NRE Fire Manager, David Tainsh said that property owners whose land adjoins public land such as State Forest need to be especially cautious and alert to the dangers of bushfire. Permits to burn off must be obtained now that the restrictions are in force.

For people in East Gippsland and Wellington Shires whose property is within 1.5kms of public land, permits may be obtained from a Fire Management Officer at the following NRE offices: Heyfield, Bairnsdale (Lindenow Road Depot), Yarram, Orbost, Swifts Creek, Nowa Nowa, Bendoc and Cann River.

Applications for permits to burn on private property may be made through the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer at your local Shire offices. Any application for emergency work, such as grinding, welding etc, on Total Fire Ban Days, should be made through CFA.

Penalties for lighting a fire in the open air, or allowing a fire to remain alight during the Fire Danger Period are a $5000 fine or 12 months imprisonment, or both.

Penalties for lighting fires in the open air, or allowing them to remain alight on Total Fire Ban days are a $10000 fine or two years imprisonment, or both.

"We all need to remain on high alert this year and watch out for any signs of fire. Whether it might spark from an unattended campfire, burn off or other causes; take precautions, use common sense and if in doubt, contact NRE or the CFA for advice," Mr Tainsh said.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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