CFA District 22 assistant chief fire officer Peter Bell said now was the time for farmers and rural property owners to clear up and be ready for the approaching fire season.
However, he said there were a few things people should do before lighting up.
Mr Bell asked people to register those burns with the CFA on 1800 668 511 so that the CFA would easily identify any burn-offs if it received calls about them from passers-by who spotted smoke.
This in turn saves firefighters turning out to burn-offs for no reason.
Mr Bell also urged people to be prepared and follow rules whenever they did a burn-off to ensure it was safe.
These include having an adequate water supply on hand, and never leaving the fire unattended.
He said people should also look at what the wind was doing before lighting any fires.
“People have got to be careful because it is drying out,” Mr Bell said.
To check the recommendations around burn-offs, Mr Bell suggested visiting the CFA website at cfa.vic.gov.au
He also said people should check local council by-laws that related to burn-offs to ensure they were allowed in their particular area.
Laws applicable to the City of Greater Shepparton can be found at greatershepparton.com.au/council/local-laws/environment-and-agriculture/fires
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