25 September 2019
Mornington Peninsula Shire will ease burn off restrictions on small properties throughout October 2019 to allow residents to burn off for fire prevention purposes.
For the month of October 2019, Open Air Burning is permitted only on Fridays and Saturdays between 9am and 4pm on land less than 1500 square metres, provided that:
- no more than 1 cubic metre of vegetation is burnt at any one time
- the fire is not within 10 metres of any neighbouring dwelling
- the General Fire Safety Provisions are followed at all times.
The easing of restrictions for land less than 1500 square metres would assist owners of smaller properties to reduce fine fuel in the lead up to the fire season.
Mornington Peninsula Shire's Municipal Fire Prevention Officer Katie McKenzie said "residents are reminded burn off material should not be wet, or green, and general fire safety precautions should be taken at all times".
"It's a great chance to clean up around your property, but ensure you do it responsibly and safely, and keep your neighbours and local authorities informed".
All residents undertaking Open Air Burning should follow the General Fire Safety Provisions, which includes:
- Giving notice to adjoining landowners/occupiers 24 hours prior to the burn.
- Calling 1800 668 511 at least two hours prior to the burn to log your fire with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority.
- Establishing a fire break of no less than 3 metres cleared of all flammable material.
- Ensuring the fire is supervised by an adult at all times.
- Ensuring there is sufficient fire protection equipment available on site at all times.
- Ensuring the vegetation to be burnt is dead and dry prior to lighting (no green waste).
- Ensuring at the site of the fire, the wind speed does not exceed 20 kilometres per hour.
Outside of October, Open Air Burning is prohibited on properties smaller than 1500 square metres.
Open Air Burning regulations for land more than 1500 square metres and more than 40,000 square metres remain the same.
