[Burning off safely]
[Relaxed acoustic guitar music]
[On screen text]
Burning off safely
Our community. Our CFA.
[Presenter]
Every year, burn-offs become dangerous bushfires and grassfires.
Learn how to burn off safely to avoid big fines and keep your community safe.
[On screen text]
Consider safer alternatives
[Presenter]
Before you decide to burn off, consider safer alternatives. You could mulch the material, use a green waste collection service, or take it to a waste transfer station.
If you decide to burn off, know how to do it safely.
There are different fire restrictions
you need to check:
The Fire Danger Period, Total Fire Ban, and Local laws.
Make sure you burn off before the Fire Danger Period starts in your area.
[On screen text]
Fire Danger Period status
A map of Victoria showing Fire Danger Period coming into effect progressively across all council areas.
Victorian Local Government Areas
[Presenter]
To burn off during the Fire Danger Period you'll need to apply for a permit, but it's unlikely one will be issued.
Serious penalties apply if you burn off during the Fire Danger Period without a permit, or don't follow the conditions in your permit.
[On screen text]
Fines over $24,000
and/or 1 year jail
[Presenter]
On Total Fire Ban days, burn-offs are banned, even if you have a permit, and penalties can double.
[On screen text]
Total Fire Bans
Fines $48,000+
2 years jail
Map of Victoria showing different colours representing Fire Danger Ratings with Total Fire Ban symbols on some of them.
Victorian Fire Weather Districts
[Presenter]
You also need to check your council’s local laws. Some councils only allow burning off on certain days, and some might not allow it at all. You may also need a permit from the council.
Whether or not you have a permit, always register your burn-off.
If you burn-off is unregistered and someone calls Triple Zero, firefighters will attend your property, even if you're burning off safely.
The fastest and easiest way to register your burn-off is on the Fire Permits Victoria website.
[On screen text]
Register your burn-off
firepermits.vic.gov.au
[Presenter]
If you’re starting your burn-off immediately or within the next two hours, you can call 1800 668 511.
However, it's better to register online in advance because you could be on hold for a long time. Emergency Triple Zero calls will always take priority.
Also, do the right thing and let your neighbours know when you're planning to burn off.
Carefully prepare the burn pile and the area around it.
Make sure there is nothing near the burn pile that can catch fire easily - like dry leaves, grass and twigs. The area at least three metres around it needs to be clear or watered down, and with no overhanging trees.
[On screen graphic]
A dashed circle around the burn pile with arrows indicating 3 metres
[Presenter]
Only burn grass, weeds, undergrowth, branches or other vegetation. Never burn materials like painted or treated wood tyres, plastics and any other manufactured items. You could be fined for burning these items as they release harmful smoke and can be dangerous to your health and the environment.
Check the weather forecast on the day of your burn-off and for the next two days. If winds are stronger than ten kilometres per hour, postpone your burn. It's too windy when leaves and small branches on trees are constantly moving. Strong winds in the days after could reignite your fire even if you think you've put it out properly.
Once the fire is lit, continue to monitor the weather conditions. If the wind gets stronger, put the fire out.
When the fire is burning, someone must be present the whole time.
Always have water ready in case the fire spreads, such as a hose that can reach all the way around the burn pile, or a full knapsack nearby. For larger burns, you may need firefighting equipment,
such as a portable water supply and pump.
If you lose control of the burn off, call Triple Zero immediately.
Once you've finished, make sure you put it out properly with water. Don't leave it smouldering, and check it the next day to make sure it's out.
Every year, escaped burn-offs become bushfires.
You are responsible for any damage caused by your fire.
Remember, if you light it, you own it.
For more information about burning off safely, visit the CFA website.
[On screen text]
For more information about burning off safely visit:
cfa.vic.gov.au/burning-off