More than 62 per cent of burn-off registrations in Victoria are still made via phone, which can lead to longer wait times as 000 Victoria call takers manage higher priority calls.
The quickest way to register is through the Fire Permits Victoria website at firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify.
000 Victorian chief operation officer Paul Santamaria said certain communities were still relying heavily on phone notifications.
“We are still seeing high notification by phone in some areas, including Lara, Olinda, Healesville, Mt Evelyn, Monbulk, Langwarrin, Yackandandah and Wonga Park and we encourage these communities to register online,” Mr Santamaria said.
“If you are planning to burn off more than two hours from now, registering online will always be the fastest and simplest option.”
For burn-offs starting within two hours, residents can still register by calling 1800 668 511.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said online registration helped emergency services and the public distinguish planned burn-offs from emergencies.
“So far this year CFA crews have responded to more than 200 escaped burn-offs,” Mr Heffernan said.
“We ask landowners have enough people and water on hand to monitor, contain and extinguish their burn-off safely at all times and only burn off when conditions are favourable.”
Before burning off, residents should check local council regulations, notify neighbours, monitor weather forecasts, postpone activity during high fire risk conditions, establish a firebreak of no less than three metres and never leave a burn-off unattended.
For more information, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/burnoff.
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