Be prepared and register your burn-off online

WITH Victorians across the state preparing their property for fire season, emergency services are urging landowners to register their burn-offs online, through the Fire Permits Victoria website.

Spring is a common time for landowners to take advantage of the favourable weather conditions to conduct burning off activities; however, in most areas in Victoria, less than 50 per cent are registering their burn-offs online, with many unnecessarily waiting on hold to register over the phone.

The quickest and easiest way to register your burn-off is by using the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify.

Triple Zero Victoria Chief Operating Officer Nicole Ashworth said registering burn-offs online was fast, easy, and allowed call-takers to focus on higher priority calls.

"Spring is the ideal time to prepare your property ahead of the fire danger period, which makes it one of the busiest times for people registering their burn-offs by phone," Nicole said.

"That's why we always urge landowners to plan ahead and save themselves some time by jumping onto the Fire Permits Victoria website and registering well in advance, especially when suitable weather conditions are forecast."

The website allows you to notify emergency services of your burn-off, and also check and apply for a permit, if necessary.

However, if your burn is taking place within the next two hours, you must register your burn via the phone line on 1800 668 511.