Port Fairy Fire Brigade captain Garth Palmer is urging people to register their burnoffs with the CFA after a number of false alarms.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He said since fire restrictions lifted on April 11, volunteer fire fighters had attended unnecessary call outs to bonfires or burnoffs.
“We’re getting too many of them. We don’t need it. We got called out to a bonfire at 10pm on a Saturday night,” Mr Palmer said.
“If people register their burnoffs by calling 1800 668 511 we don’t get called out.
“Since (fire) restrictions lifted we’ve had five or six false alarms.”
He encouraged people who were concerned about nearby smoke or a fire to check it themselves first.
Since restrictions lifted we’ve had five or six false alarms.
- Garth Palmer
“If it’s close by go and have a look to see what it is before calling the fire brigade.”
Those planning a fire could also let their neighbours know, he said.
“At this time of year you can burn off but we just ask people to register.
“It saves us from getting called out for nothing. We’re just volunteers.”
Mr Palmer issued a winter warning encouraging people to check their bathroom fans for dust to reduce the risk of fire. He also reminded residents to avoid dying clothes too close to the heater and to not leave them drying unattended at any time.
