Restricted Fire Season declared

Posted on 9 December 2011

A restricted fire season for the whole of the Southern Rural Fire District is to be declared tomorrow (Saturday 10 December) because of the increasing risk of fire.

Southern Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Mike Grant said vegetation moisture levels had reduced to trigger points that meant significant fires were more likely to happen and would be harder to extinguish. Restrictions are normal this time every year, largely for public safety.

The recent spell of weather including low relative humidity, temperatures in the high 20s and dry winds, has significantly changed the potential for rural fires. With the short term weather forecast predicting more of the same, a higher level of planning and care is now required for everyone considering undertaking any burning.

A restricted fire season means a permit has to be gained to light an open fire. Permits do not need to be gained for camp fires, barbecues, incinerators, offal holes and hedge trimmings, but these do have specific conditions, including never lighting them when it is windy and not being within 30m of a building, trees, hedges or material that could catch fire.

Those who light fires in the open are responsible for making sure the fires are safe and do not spread, Mr Grant said. They are also liable for any damage caused by the fire.

"Even if you light a fire with a permit, or in an incinerator or a barbecue, it's still your responsibility if it escapes and damages property" he said. "Also be aware and considerate of smoke drift across roads and into neighbouring properties. If the fire has to be extinguished by the fire service or a rural fire crew, you will be charged the fire fighting costs." 

Fires should never be lit when conditions are windy, or strong winds are forecast.

The Southern Rural Fire Authority staff issue permits, but it can take up to five days to check the applications, particularly if a site inspection is required, so Mr Grant urges people to think ahead if they plan to burn off.

"With Christmas coming up, it is even more vital to plan ahead as no permits will be issued over the holiday period."