Amy Hume
KILMORE Fire Brigade is reminding district residents to of the appropriate burning off procedures as Mitchell Shire Council’s local laws regarding burning recently came into force.
The shire’s community safety and environmental local law in relation to burning off in open air came into force last Friday.
The law states that burning off within a township and outside a township requires a permit to burn any windrow, tree and stump of more than two cubic metres.
Burning off in the open air does not include burning in an incinerator.
Permits require a seven day turn-around period as sites must be inspected and there is no cost for a permit.
For all land within a township (all land other than those allotments zoned as “farming”) burning off can only occur on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10am and 3pm.
Burning off in farming zoned areas can occur any day, time or night.
All fires lit must have fire suppressant equipment, a three metre clearance on flammable items, must be clear of over-hanging trees, have a responsible adult present, and water in close vicinity.
To avoid obtaining a permit, enquirers are advised to keep their fire at the two metre level and gradually feed it.
All fires lit must be registered with the Victorian Fire Risk Register on 1800 668 511.
These restrictions remain in force until CFA restrictions are known. Council has advised it will only be issuing permits to those applicants who have the approval of their local fire brigade.
Prior to burning off district residents are asked to consider weather conditions, impact of smoke on cars and neighbours, supervision of the fire, and whether the surrounding area is clear.
Contact VicFire
Kilmore Fire Brigade requests residents to contact VicFire Burn Off Notification by calling 1800 668 511 to advise location, light up time, and expected duration of the burn-off.
Kilmore Brigade Captain Greg Murphy said that the final step of contacting the Burn Off Notification Line will save the unnecessary activation of local fire brigades.
“The Kilmore Brigade attends in excess of 200 fire calls per year, and while recognising the benefits of burning off, reminds people that by following this notification step, resources and volunteers’ time are not committed when not required,” he said.
“The Kilmore Fire Brigade is fully volunteer, like most in the area, and our firefighters are proud and committed to delivering the best level of service to the community.
“Unnecessary activation of the brigade may commit resources away from a required response and we ask for assistance to ensure this is minimised or avoided.
“Of course, if a burn-off is being conducted and people become uncomfortable about their ability to control the fire or it becomes out of control, please don’t hesitate to contact 000 and request the fire brigade to attend.”
For more information contact the shire council on 5734 6200 or CFA Region 12 Headquarters on 5799 1517 or visit the Kilmore Fire Station on any Sunday after 9am or Wednesday after 7pm.
