I thought it would be timely to send a reminder regarding the burning off laws. Following is an almost copy of a previous blog.
Information regarding the Franskston Council Local Law for burn offs can be found by accessing their web page http://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Local_Laws_and_Safety/Fire_Safety/Burning_and_Permits/index.aspx

I have pasted some information from their website below

 Frankston City Council receives many complaints about open air burning in the municipality. Open Air-Burning is regulated by Local Law No. 7, part 3.10. Open Air burning laws are in place to protect the amenity of the neighbourhood along with its general air quality, and to reduce the risks associated with fire.

Residents and other land users should always look for alternatives to burning off to reduce the impact upon others. Even if the burning off is legal, you should always consider the needs of others and ensure that any
impact  of the fire is minimal.

No person may light, or allow to remain alight, a  fire in the open air unless a permit to burn has first been obtained from the  Council's Fire Safety Officer for the purpose of fuel reduction or fire hazard  clearance. The owner or occupier of land where a fire has been lit without a  permit must immediately take all steps necessary to make it safe and completely  extinguish the fire. A person must not light, or allow to remain alight,  a fire in a public place unless authorised to do so by a public body for the  purpose of undertaking fire protection measures.


Burn Permits
Permits to burn are provided to residents for the sole purpose of fuel reduction or fire hazard clearance, but only in limited circumstances.
Residents  living in residential zoning are very unlikely to obtain a permit to burn.

For more information before applying for a burn permit, please consult Frankston City Council's Customer Service on 1300 322 322 (1300 FCC FCC).

For more information regarding the burning off laws for the Mornington Peninsula Shire go to their website.

Many people like to use therapeutic wheat bags for the relief of various types of muscular, back and arthritic pains.

Wheat bags are usually made of fabric filled with wheat or other grains. They can be heated in the microwave until they reach a desired temperature (according to the manufacturer’s instructions).

Investigations into therapeutic wheat bags have revealed that the wheat can ignite during heating and when used as a warmer in bed. Constant use can result in the reduction of the moisture content of the wheat, causing it to overheat. This can result in a fire or burns.

The following are some safety hints when using therapeutic wheat bags:
• Only purchase bags which have an information sheet, which clearly states how to use the item.

• Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

• Do not overheat the wheat bag, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• When heating the wheat bag, some manufacturers recommend placing a glass of water in the microwave to prevent wheat from drying out.

• Do not use wheat bags as a bed warmer.

• Never use wheat bags while you are in bed in case you fall asleep while using them.

• Always remain in attendance when heating the bag.

• Watch for signs of over use, e.g. cooking or burning odours, charring of the bag. If these signs are present dispose of the bag after it has cooled down.

• Do not store away until the wheat bag is cold. Always leave the wheat bag to cool on a non-combustible surface.

• People who make the bags should include an information sheet which provides a method for the use of the bags. When making the bags, it would be preferable to use flame retardant materials. Never use rubber or plastic backed materials. Avoid using wheat which contains dust.

Check the life of the heat pack according to manufacturer’s instructions.

IT RAINED!

Fuel moisture is too high for the objectives of the proposed burn plan to be met, so in conjunction with the Vegetation Management Officer from CFA, we have been forced to postpone the burn.

If he weather conditions become favourable again soon, I will be back in touch. 

Realistically, it is not likely to occur until spring.

Thank you again for your support.

The Brigade will be assisting Metro Trains with a fuel reduction burn along the side of the railway line between Robinsons Road and Golf Links Road.
At this early stage of the week, the plan is to commence the burn on Saturday 20 April around lunch time. 
This plan is very dependant on the weather as seen with the Flora and Fauna Park cancellation last week.
Invitations for assistance have been sent to a number of our neighbouring Brigades and logistics planning is well under way.

Immediate neighbours have been provided with information and map.

I will keep you informed of any developments.

The Brigade has been to a number of burn-offs over the past couple of weeks. The Fire Danger Period has now finished, but there have been significant changes to the local laws in both Municipalities. There is no burning off in City of Frankston without a permit. Mornington Peninsula Shire has a sliding scale and they should be contacted for more detail.

Please do not do anything that is illegal. If the Brigade is called to attend, we will probably have to involve the By-Laws Officer.

I hope that everyone had a good Christmas

CFA will be declaring the introduction of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) from 1am on 7th January 2013 for
all Municipalities within Region 8 and together with Region 9 and 13. This most certainly includes Frankston City Council and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council areas.

As you would all know, Victoria has experienced a lot of wet weather this year, but we are one of the most fire-prone regions in the world and it only takes two weeks of hot, dry and windy weather to create dangerous fire
conditions.

Just last week we attended a small grass fire caused by an escape from a burnoff. The grass was less than 2 cm high. Vegetation does not have to be thick and tall for it to burn readily.

The Media has been informed of the introduction to the FDP and articles to media outlets will be advertised over the next 3-4 weeks. Operations Manger Trevor Owen asks all Members to assist us in communicating the introduction as broadly as possible to ensure the community is well aware.

Now is the time to clean up, before a fire does it for you.

Oh; AND GET YOUR FIRE PLANS WORKED OUT!

Here is the proposed scedule for this year's Santa Run. We generally run on  time, but avery now and then a fire call will get in the way. If there are any  problems we will let you know.

I wish all of  the people that frequent this blog a safe Christmas and New Year period.

Fire prevention penalties increase 
With severe fire danger forecast tomorrow in west and northern  parts of the state, CFA is warning anyone breaching key fire prevention rules  now faces increased deterrents as the Victorian Government increases penalties for not complying with the rules. 

CFA’s CEO Mick Bourke said that the increases - which have come into effect - reflect both the seriousness of breaching the rules and increased community expectations. 

"People need to be aware of the new rules set earlier in the year and make sure they don’t breach them and risk starting a dangerous fire and incurring strong penalties," he said. 

"We want the increased penalties to act as a strong incentive for compliant behaviours and avoiding unnecessary fires". 
 
The offence for non-compliance with a Fire Prevention Notice, which is often issued by local government Councils for fuel reduction, has increased to 120 penalty units ($16900), 12 months’ imprisonment or both, as
determined by the courts. 

"The ideal situation would be that there is no increase in revenue from these penalties as it would mean people are doing the right thing for themselves and their neighbours." 

Increased infringement ‘penalty’ provisions under the CFA Act include lighting a fire during the Fire Danger Period, breaching a condition on a Permit to Burn, causing an offence on a Total Fire Ban day and failing to
comply with a Fire Prevention Notice. 

Lighting fires in the open air during a Fire Danger Period now has penalties ranging up to and including 120 penalty units ($16900), 12 months’ imprisonment or both, as determined by the courts. 
 
The offence of failing to comply with conditions and restrictions in a Permit to Light a Fire issued during the Fire Danger Period is 120 penalty units ($16900) or imprisonment for 12 months or both, as determined
by the courts 

The offence of lighting a fire on a day of Total Fire Ban is
240 penalty units ($33801) or imprisonment for two years or both, as determined
by the courts. 

The current value of a penalty unit is $140.84. 
 
Mick Bourke said increasing penalties was part of Government’s package of measures to help keep Victoria fire safe this summer. 

"Helping prevent fires in the first place and educating people to leave an area early on bad fire days are the best ways we ensure people remain safe this summer," he said. 
 
For information on a Fire Prevention Notice, Permit to Light a Fire, Fire Danger Period or a Total Fire Ban visit: cfa.vic.gov.au . 

Franskston Council have released their new Local Law for burn offs. I have pasted fromtheir website below.
More information can be found by accessing their web page http://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Local_Laws_and_Safety/Fire_Safety/Burning_and_Permits/index.aspx


Open Air Burning
Frankston City Council receives many complaints about open air burning in the
  municipality. Open Air-Burning is regulated by Local Law No. 7, part 3.10. Open
  Air burning laws are in place to protect the amenity of the neighbourhood along
  with its general air quality, and to reduce the risks associated with
  fire.

Residents and other land users should always look for alternatives 
to burning off to reduce the impact upon others. Even if the burning off is 
legal, you should always consider the needs of others and ensure that any
impact  of the fire is minimal.

No person may light, or allow to remain
alight, a  fire in the open air unless a permit to burn has first been obtained
from the  Council's Fire Safety Officer for the purpose of fuel reduction or
fire hazard  clearance. The owner or occupier of land where a fire has been lit
without a  permit must immediately take all steps necessary to make it safe and
completely  extinguish the fire.

A person must not light, or allow to
remain alight,  a fire in a public place unless authorised to do so by a public
body for the  purpose of undertaking fire protection measures.


Burn Permits
Permits to burn are provided to residents for the sole purpose of fuel 
reduction or fire hazard clearance, but only in limited circumstances.
Residents  living in residential zoning are very unlikely to obtain a permit to 
burn.

For more information before applying for a burn permit, please 
consult Frankston City Council's Customer Service on 1300 322 322 (1300 FCC 
FCC).

The link for the Mornington Peninsula Shire is;
http://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Page/page.asp?Page_Id=1651&h=0