THE CFA attended 40 grass and scrub fires across the state on Wednesday – seven of those were in the district which encompasses Ballarat.
One of the fires was a car fire at 7.43pm which spread to nearby grassland.
A CFA spokesman confirmed it was extinguished within 14 minutes.
CFA state duty officer Tony O’Day said a number of the fires were flare-ups from previous private burn offs, some of which had been conducted several days beforehand.
“If a fire is left unattended in warm and windy condition, like the conditions we’ve had this week, it could spread quickly and can burn into bushland or on to neighbours’ properties,” Mr O’Day said.
“Even after burn offs are extinguished, they need to be checked and rechecked to ensure they are safe.”
Ballarat firefighters also battled a Ring Road blaze on Wednesday.
Even after burn offs are extinguished, they need to be checked and rechecked to ensure they are safe.
- Tony O'Day
Six appliances were also deployed to a fire at Blind Creek Road. The road was closed.
Mr O’Day said residents needed to be mindful of the risks if they were planing on burning off over the long weekend.
“We are expecting some cooler temperatures heading into the weekend and more warm weather next week,” he said.
“Any burn offs by landowners this weekend need to be properly extinguished before the weather warms up again next week.”
Mr O’Day said “incredibly dry” bush land meant that even though the official danger period was over, the risk was still relatively high.
“We need people to take extreme care,” Mr O’Day said.
“The bush and grasslands are still incredibly dry and will burn easily.
“Check your local council’s by-laws before burning off and never leave it unattended.”
Landowners need to register all burn offs with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA).
This can be done by calling 1800 668 511.
