Landowners will be looking to take advantage of spring conditions ahead of an earlier start to this year’s fire season and authorities expect a surge in burn-off registrations in the coming weeks.
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/
Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority’s chief operating officer Nicole Ashworth said while the burn-off registration phone line was still available on 1800 668 511, callers could experience long wait times on days of high demand.
“Using the Fire Permits Victoria website to register your burn-off also ensures ESTA’s fire call takers can focus their efforts on taking emergency 000 calls,” she said.
“Earlier this year, we experienced days with more than 1200 non-emergency calls to register burn-offs on private land, so we’re encouraging people to start pivoting to the easy-to-use Fire Permits Victoria website.”
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the Fire Permits Victoria website was the preferred platform for community members to register their burns.
“By registering your burn-off, it allows emergency services to verify the fire is a planned burn if 000 receive any good intent calls to report it as an actual fire,” he said.
“Unregistered burns can lead to unnecessary call-outs for your local fire brigade.”
The website allows you to notify emergency services of your burn and check and apply for a permit, if necessary.
However, if your burn is taking place within the next two hours, you must register your burn via the phone line on 1800 668 511.
For more information about burning off safely, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff/
