FIREFIGHTERS worked quickly to extinguish a grassy verge that reignited in Kerang last Monday.
Kerang crews were called to the corner of Ninth and Murray streets to find the same area that burnt a month ago had ignited just before 1pm.
Kerang CFA captain Ramon Steel said the original fire occurred when a burn-off reignited.
“It does that sometimes under trees because of the thick foliage that drops,” he said.
Captain Steel said it was possible the same fire could have been smouldering underground ever since.
The CFA urged Victorians to take extreme care when burning off after responding to several escaped private burn offs across the state last week.
Deputy Chief Officer Gregg Paterson said with a fire danger period declared in Gannawarra, people need to obtain a permit, with strict conditions attached, before doing any burning off.
Lighting a fire without a permit during the fire danger period can lead to penalties including a fine of up to $19,342 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment.BREAKOUT:
Keep your burn-off safe and legal:
& Check fire restrictions with your local council and register your burn on 1800 668 511
& Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind
& To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand
& Leave a three metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn
& Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading
& Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration
& If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately
For more information about burning off, go to cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff
