By Denise Deason
JUST because there has been recent rain and green grass can be seen in Wyndham, it doesn’t mean the fire risk has gone away.
That’s the message from the Wyndham CFA, which is concerned that people might let down their guard on fire hazards now that grasses in the area are no longer dry and yellow.
John Deering, operations manager of the CFA’s region 14 (which includes Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook), said residents should not become complacent.
“The rain is good for water storages and it’s green outside,” he said.
“But we are still in the fire danger period.
“This limits the lighting of open-air fires and people should become familiar with the restrictions that apply.
“Some fires require a permit and others are only allowed within specific conditions.”
Fires to burn off grass, undergrowth and weeds had to have permit from the municipal fire prevention officer, he said.
Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth did not require a permit, but must be lit only in properly constructed fireplaces, within limits of wind speed and clearance perimeter, and be supervised at all times.
Mr Deering said that other conditions applied for different circumstances and responsibility for knowing these rested with the person lighting the fire.
CFA brigades were called out every day to attend to fires and incidents that could easily have been avoided by people taking care.
“Deliberately lit fires, such as those in rubbish bins, and small vegetation fires take up a lot of time, put lives at risk and place pressure on valuable CFA resources.”
The CFA was taking a zero tolerance approach to illegally lit fires this summer, he said. They would be reported to the police, who might prosecute offenders.
Details of fire restrictions can be found in the Can I or Can’t I? brochure, available at fire stations, on the website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, or by phoning Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.
