Country Fire Authority (CFA) officers are asking people to stay alert as grassfire risks remain following the end of the South West’s Fire Danger Period.
The Fire Danger Period will end at 1am on Monday, April 22, in the South West region, including the City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe, Surf Coast Shire, and Golden Plains Shire.
CFA South-West deputy chief officer Adrian Gutsche said people needed to exercise caution once fire restrictions were lifted, and burning off must follow “municipal local laws”.
“You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” he said.
“There was real potential in the region for fires prior to this due to the late onset of summer, several high fire danger days and considerable drying of all available fuels.
“Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is cross-checked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding.”
Mr Gutsche said he encouraged everyone to remain safe whether they’re living in or travelling to high bushfire risk areas.
“When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire,” he said.
“Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk.
“Communities have really played their part by being vigilant and understanding the risk to ensure there were no damaging fires that could have put us at risk.”
Landowners can register a burn-off online at firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511 and should notify neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.
