Epping residents should be on alert from this week, as fire restrictions come into force.
The restrictions came into effect as of 1:00 pm yesterday, December 10, across the Whittlesea Country Fire Authority areas and will remain in place until around May next year.
The restrictions mean that it is an offence to light large fires, such as burn offs, in open air unless holding a permit. Smaller fires, such as barbecues, can be lit, although there are a number of conditions that should be followed. Permits can be obtained from Whittlesea council’s fire prevention officer of the Country Fire Authority district office. Anyone caught lighting fires without a permit faces fines of up to $17,000 or even imprisonment.
People should also be aware of total fire ban days, which are declared when conditions pose a high risk of fires starting and spreading rapidly. There are further restrictions on these days.
Epping residents, particularly those whose properties are near reserves, scrub, or bush blocks, should check their properties and try to reduce fire risks. Mowing and slashing grass, as well as creating fire breaks, are good ways of reducing the risk of fires spreading. Areas with dry grass that of more than 10 centimetres in height are more at risk.
Poster printing can help increase awareness of fire danger in public areas, while brochure printers could be used to inform local residents of their responsibilities during the fire ban season.
For more information on fire prevention and restrictions during the fire danger period, visit the Country Fire Authority website or, for local information, visit the Whittlesea Council website.
