The RFS is warning landholders to ensure they have a permit before lighting any fires. Photos: Kim Treasure.
As vegetation continues to dry out and the bushfire risk increases, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) is warning those who light illegal fires or let burns escape from their property will face heavy consequences.
RFS Inspector Chris Anderson said fire investigators would actively follow up incidents and target those doing the wrong thing.
“Lighting up without a Fire Permit during the Bush Fire Danger Period and providing proper notifications, and carelessly allowing burns to escape, poses a very real and potentially deadly risk to your community if that escaped burn takes hold,” Inspector Anderson said.
“Residents and landholders are reminded of Fire Permit requirements and the need to notify fire agencies before lighting hazard reductions and pile burns, or face the penalties.
“The RFS now has an easy-to-use online portal allowing residents the ability to obtain Fire Permits and quickly and easily notify fire services when they are planning to use fire on their property.
“Using a mobile phone or computer, you can lodge your notification of a planned hazard reduction or burn-off 24 hours a day, seven days a week via this portal.”
Landholders who fail to follow Fire Permit requirements and notify firefighters and neighbours face fines of up to $5500 and/or 12 months in jail, while escaped fires attract penalties of up to $110,000 and/or five years’ prison.
Landholders should be preparing now for the upcoming bushfire season but need to do so safely.
“We encourage landholders doing what they can to prepare their property, however, they must do it safely and let us and their neighbours know,” Inspector Anderson said.
By using the online notification tool, landholders will also be informed of any Total Fire Bans or restrictions and if so, will be advised to not proceed with their burn.
Inspector Anderson said landholders should take the time now to prepare their properties, but do it in a way that is safe, legal and protects their local community.
“Every landholder has a responsibility to prevent fire spreading from their property and there can be serious consequences for people who light fires and leave them unattended,” Inspector Anderson said.
“Escaped burns can not only have a significant impact on your livelihood but could destroy neighbouring properties and the lives of those in your community.
“Don’t create that risk – do the right thing. Prepare, notify and burn safely.”
To notify of your intent to burn off, use the online burn notification tool. Landholders can still notify the RFS by contacting their local Fire Control Centre. More information on Fire Permits and safe burning can be found here.
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