The Country Fire Authority and Department of Sustainability and Environmant have advised that Fire Restrictions for the 2008-09 period were introduced yesterday, Monday 10 November.

The Fire Danger Period will continue until 1am on 1 May, 2009 unless varied by subsequent declaration. During this time, a general prohibition applies to the lighting of fires except when:

• a permit has been issued by the CFA or Local Government (but permits are invalid on Total Fire Ban days);

• the fire is lit for cooking or warmth;

• burning refuse in an incinerator;

• welding, cutting or grinding; or

• the fire is used for other industrial purposes.

Conditions relating to fire safety are applicable to all the above. They include providing spark barriers, clearing the surrounding area, having enough water on hand to extinguish wild fire, and being in attendance while the fire is burning. Full details are available from the CFA website, www.cfa.vic.gov.au/restrictions.

Lighting fires for barbecues, campfires, or warmth is permitted (Total Fire Ban days excepted) provided that ALL the following criteria are met:

• the wind is not more than 10kph;

• the fire is lit in a properly constructed fireplace or trench at least 30cm deep;

• the fire is not within 7.5 metres of a log or stump;

• the ground and air space within 3 metres are clear of flammable material;

• the fire and fuel used are the minimum necessary for the purpose and do not occupy an area of more than 1sq metre; and

• a person is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight.

Note that in accordance with the CFA Act, a ‘properly constructed fireplace’ means a fireplace that is constructed of stone, metal, concrete or any other non-flammable material so as to contain the perimeter of the fire. (A commercially produced barbeque would be considered a properly constructed fireplace.)

To find out if a Total Fire Ban has been declared in your area or to check for any municipal restrictions on lighting fires, please call Strathbogie Shire on 5795 0000.