The CFA’s Fire Danger Period has now ended in Bass Coast, however some restrictions still apply to burning off under Bass Coast Shire Council’s Local Law - Neighbourhood Amenity 2012.

Under the Local Law, open air and incinerator fires are prohibited in residential or built up areas at all times, while residents in non-built up areas may burn off in accordance with Council’s burning off guidelines outside of the Fire Danger Period.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said the CFA and Council worked together to develop guidelines to help people understand what they must do before, during and after a burn off.

“The guidelines apply for any open air burning off you may want to do and aim to protect the safety and comfort of all residents and visitors,” Cr Whelan said.

“The guidelines include important information, such as who to notify about the burn and how much notice needs to be given. For example, notice to adjoining landowners or occupiers must be given 24 hours before the burn.”

The guidelines can be found at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/burningoff or for a hard copy, contact Council’s Community Safety Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211.

To ensure fire services are aware of your planned burn, register it with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) at least two hours before lighting online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au. If you wish to start your burn-off immediately, or don’t want to use the online form, phone ESTA on 1800 668 511. National Relay Service users can ring 1300 555 727 and ask for Information to be relayed to ESTA via 1800 668 511.

If the area to be burnt is next to a residential area, Council must also be notified, by calling 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211, at least two-hours prior to light up.