Despite fire restrictions ending, CFA is urging residents throughout the Dandenong Ranges to exercise extreme caution when burning off.
Since the Fire Danger Period ended in March, CFA said it has responded to over 120 escaped burn-offs and attended 45 reignitions from previous burn-offs which were not extinguished properly.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said CFA is seeing a lot of escaped burn-offs that could be avoided.
“Despite restrictions ending, it is still important for residents to check local conditions on the day of any burn-off they are considering undertaking,” he said.
“It is also vital that people register their burn-offs as they can get out of control easily with a simple wind change.”
Mr Heffernan said it is important to register burnoffs so authorities know what is happening in the area.
“Make sure the fire is extinguished with water before you leave it and never leave a fire unattended.” He said.
Landowners can register burn-offs to help reduce the risk of unnecessary callouts for CFA crews.
“We ask that landowners register burn-offs to help reduce the risk of CFA brigades being called out unnecessarily if a member of the public calls about smoke or a fire in the area,” Mr Heffernan said.
“If a burn-off does get out of control, call ‘000’ immediately. People should have a fire plan and prepare for the event of a fire, and never be complacent.”
