Latrobe Local News:
Fire restrictions lifted - but no fires in urban areas

Fire restrictions have been lifted for rural and rural living zones in Latrobe City, but Council warns that no bonfires or incinerators can be lit in urban areas within the municipality.

By Latrobe City - 9th April 2003 - Back to News

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Fire restrictions have been lifted for rural and rural living zones in Latrobe City, but Council warns that no bonfires or incinerators can be lit in urban areas within the municipality.

Latrobe City’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officer, Lance King, said that while property owners in rural and rural living zones could now burn off subject to certain conditions, it needed to be stressed that those people living in urban areas, such as Traralgon, Morwell, Moe and the smaller towns in the municipality, cannot under any circumstances light fires, such as bonfires or in incinerators in their backyards.

"There is an exception which relates to the use of barbecues for cooking, but otherwise no fires are allowed at any time," Mr King explained.

Mr King said that the conditions needing to be met on rural and rural living zoned properties in Latrobe City were: an adult is to be in attendance at all times; a minimum firebreak of 2 metres must be constructed around the area to be burnt; sufficient water is to be on site to handle any emergency that may occur; and notice must be given to each owner or occupier of land contiguous to the area to be burnt.

Providing these conditions are met, there is no need for individual owners or occupiers of land within the rural and rural living zones in Latrobe City to apply for an individual permit to burn. However, should any variation of the conditions be envisaged, an individual permit must be obtained from Council.

In light of fire restrictions being lifted, Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss issued a timely warning for those considering camping trips and barbeques over the school holidays.

"With the advent of the Easter holidays, many families may take a camping trip to a national or state park or similar bushland area. With the long hot summer and continuing drought conditions, many of these beauty spots are tinder dry and people should be aware of the restrictions in place for campfires, and use extreme caution when lighting fires," Cr Middlemiss said.

"In State forests a properly constructed fireplace, or a 30cm deep trench within a three-metres radius clear of all trees and combustible material around it, may be used for a campfire. However, in National and State parks, campfires can only be lit in properly constructed fireplaces," Mr King said.

"Have water on hand for emergencies and ensure that the fire is never left unattended.

Always put the fire out with water, not soil, even if you only go for a short walk. If the campfire is cool to touch, then it is safe to leave," Mr King said.

"Taking a little extra care when lighting campfires will ensure a safe and happy holiday as well as protecting the landscape," Cr Middlemiss added.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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