Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
THE CFA held meetings on Thursday to determine when restrictions should be initiated after several out-of-control burn-offs in the region.
Firefighters have been called to a Snake Valley property twice this week to out-of-control burn-offs threatening state forest.
Police attended the scene on Wednesday night where more than 10 fire crews battled a blaze for several hours at Pittong-Snake Valley Road. Logs were still smouldering on Thursday.
“The landowner was under-resourced for the size of the burn-off,” CFA Ararat duty officer Gary Mynes said.
“If people are burning off, they need some fire-fighting capacity and they need to call the burn-off information line.”
Nineteen fire crews battled a blaze at the same address on Monday afternoon.
Duty officer Mynes said meetings were held on Thursday to determine a possible early start to fire restrictions.
“We are a month ahead of the normal fire season,” he said.
“Restrictions could possibly be introduced earlier than usual due to the dryness of the land.
“Rainfall has been very light and scattered. Even though the grass is green, it hasn’t penetrated forested areas.”
Duty officer Mynes said out-of-control burn-offs were straining firefighters.
“The crews did a great job at Snake Valley, but we are getting fatigued with the number of burn-offs escaping and the fire season has not even started,” he said.
On Saturday another burn-off was out of control at a different Snake Valley address, leaving 60 hectares burnt out in a blue gum plantation.
To register a burn-off or for more information, call 1800 668 511.
david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au