With the fire season behind us, emergency services are urging landowners to register their burn-offs to avoid unnecessary callouts.
The quickest and easiest way to register your burn-off is by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify.
CFA is also urging people to ensure they are picking appropriate conditions to conduct a burn-off to minimise the risk of burns escaping.
CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said with unusually warm weather this autumn people should take care.
"We have had some rainfall however people shouldn't become complacent, burning off still needs to be done with care," Garry said.
"We know burn-offs can flare up several days afterwards, so it's important residents monitor wind conditions before and after burning off and notify their neighbours to be mindful of smoke.
"If you light a fire to burn off, you own it. Please don't leave your burn-off unattended and always make sure it is fully extinguished properly with water."
An online registration will always be fast and easy. Unregistered burn-offs can cause a spike in calls to Triple Zero (000) and unnecessary callouts for firefighters.
Triple Zero Victoria's Chief Operations Officer, Paul Santamaria, encourages the community to take the very simple step of planning ahead and registering their burn-off online.
"We are still seeing high registrations by phone in some areas including Lara, Yarrawonga. Healesville, Olinda, Kyneton, Woodend and Mount Evelyn, and we encourage these communities to register online," Paul said.
"When everyone does their bit and registers a burn-off online it reduces unnecessary calls, and helps our Triple Zero Emergency Communications Officers to focus on emergencies.
"If you are planning to burn-off more than two hours from now, registering online will always be the fastest and simplest option."
If for any reason you are unable to plan ahead and need to start your burn-off immediately (within 2 hours), you can register by calling 1800 668 511 - however early planning, and online registration is preferred.
