Firefighters who were called to an out-of-control burn-off at Purnim on Monday have issued a warning to property owners.
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Four tankers from Purnim, Grassmere and Wangoom turned out to the incident on Bryan-Olynn Road at 11.50am and quickly brought the fire under control.
Purnim CFA Lieutenant Russell Smith said the property owner, who attempted to burn out a four-metre cypress tree stump, had underestimated the potential fire danger.
"This is a deliberate burn-off which has gotten out of control," Lieutenant Smith said.
"Things are still green but they are starting to dry off. This is a good reminder if you are planning a burn-off to be careful with it.
"Setting light to a tree really isn't the best way to deal with it, getting an excavator in is a better option because (the tree stump) can burn for days."
Lieutenant Smith urged property owners to start cleaning up and removing fuel loads.
"It is the time to start cleaning up, cleaning gutters, trim plants around the house," he said.
"If you are going to have a burn-off let your local (CFA) brigade know and look ahead on the forecast to see what is coming before you put a match to anything.
"Also, stay aware of the media because soon the fire restrictions will come in."
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