Following the CFA-declared end of the Fire Danger Period at 1am on Monday 22 March; residents in rural areas can again burn off, while residents in townships can burn off on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10am and 3pm only.

Anyone intending to burn off should comply with section 11 of the Summary Offences Act:

• Notify neighbours at least two hours before burning and take measures to ensure smoke does not impact on adjoining properties
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Have a water source is available that can reach all points of the fire
• Ensure area within three metres of burning material is free from any vegetation or flammable material
• Not start burning if breeze around the fire is stronger than 10km/h, which will rustle leaves on trees; or if the air temperature is more than 32 degrees in the shade
• Contact Vic Fire on 1800 668 551 and your local CFA fire brigade captain at least two hours before burning.

Materials that give off toxic fumes and should not be burned include plastic, rubber, chemicals, paint-treated timber, petrol-based products, resins, batteries, glues, solvents and aerosol cans.

Mayor, Cr Libby Coker said people need to be considerate of others if planning to burn off and take measures to ensure any burning off is done safely. “Anyone wanting to burn off needs to notify Vic Fire and their local CFA fire brigade captain,” Cr Coker said.

“Burning off should also be restricted to calm days. Anyone in doubt can contact their local CFA fire brigade, the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240667 or Surf Coast Shire for advice.” Cr Coker said residents should continue to ensure their properties are well-maintained. “Fire preparation on the Surf Coast is a year-round undertaking, so I urge people to continue their efforts to keep flammable vegetation and their properties well managed in order to keep safe now and to ensure there is less work to do in the lead up to next summer.”