CFS urges caution on private burns
17/10/2012
The Country Fire Service (CFS) is urging property owners to consider weather conditions
before burning off rubbish or vegetation to reduce fuel loads ahead of the Fire Danger
Season.
This follows several fires in recent days that have burnt beyond their intended area and in
one case spreading to a shed that was destroyed.
Region 3 Bushfire Prevention Officer Andrew Patten said CFS crews responded to two small
fires in Riverland's Chaffey area yesterday with one of them at Monash spreading to a shed
causing around $10,000 damage.
"People are doing the right thing by burning rubbish and reducing fuel loads on their
properties but they also need to check the weather forecast before conducting these burns,"
Mr Patten said.
"A burn can easily get out of control unless it's carefully planned and various steps are
followed including supervising it at all times and making sure it's carried out with extreme
caution at the right time, including checking that the burn is fully extinguished and cold."
Mr Patten said that outside of the Fire Danger Season landholders need to be aware of their
local Council's Code of Practice for burning-off and follow their guidelines.
"Some councils have environmental restrictions for burning-off so it's important for property
owners to check with their council if any restrictions apply in their local area," he said.
He also advises anyone lighting a campfire to make sure it is not left burning and is fully
extinguished when the site is abandoned.
"It is also preferable for a campfire to be ignited on a site where one has been previously lit
and to maintain a clearance of at least 4-metres from any vegetation," Mr Patten said.
For more information about burn-offs visit the CFS website at
www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/bushfire/prepare/faring/burning_off.jsp.
For up-to-date weather information visit the Bureau of Meteorology website
www.bom.gov.au/sa
For media interviews contact Andrew Patten on 0407 701 402.
