Agricultural Fire Management Guidelines - Guide to Rural ...

Section 3 Advice8. Using fi re safelyFire is a normal part of farming activities. The safe use of fi reis encouraged.a. Planning fire useBefore burning, anyone using fi re is encouraged to:• be clear about what the burning will achieve;• identify risks and how they will be managed;• ensure that weather conditions are and will remain safefor burning;• have fuel breaks to contain the fi re;• have suffi cient resources on hand to control the fi re;• obtain permits to burn (see Fire use regulations, pages41 to 43) and/or remove native vegetation wherenecessary;• notify VicFire (see VicFire burnoff notifi cations options,page 62) and neighbours if required, or if the burningmay affect them; and• seek advice on fi re safety, fl ora and fauna, and weedmanagement issues.After using fi re, people are encouraged to:• check to ensure that the fi re is completely out;• monitor the site for fi re over the next few days; and• where necessary, rehabilitate the burn site or controllines as soon as practical. Synopsis of the Knowledge Used in Prescribed Burning in Victoria(DNRE 1999)It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly cause a fi re andrecklessly allow a fi re to spread to vegetation on anotherperson’s property. Crimes Act 1958, s201Ab. Smoke managementAnyone using fi re is required to consult with the relevantroad authority (council or VicRoads) if the proposed burningmay impact on road safety.Anyone using fi re is encouraged to minimise the impact ofsmoke on air quality by burning when the fuel is dry andwhen the wind will not blow smoke towards neighbours,towns or settlements.c. Local council permitsLocal government often has local laws regarding lightingfi res and burning rubbish in their municipality, especiallynear townships or in built-up areas.Landowners and managers are encouraged to check withtheir local council about local laws regarding the use of fi rein their area.40 On the Land: Agricultural Fire Management Guidelines