www.awnw.com.au
Issue #256 – Wednesday, 29 October, 2014
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
Bargain entry for show Albury Show organisers have slashed gate prices for this year’s event, hoping it will help steer the event back to the popularity of its heyday.
FOR THE FULL STORY, TURN TO PAGE 8.
CFA Wodonga leading firefighter Matt Johnson and firefighters Greg William, Andrew Evans-Barr and station manager David Brown.129596
Picture: ERIN SOMERVILLE
No false alarms By ERIN SOMERVILLE THE Country Fire Authority is wasting precious time and resources responding to dozens of false bushfire reports. The CFA confirmed that its District 24, which includes Wodonga, Bright, Corryon, Myrtleford, and Yackandandah and Dartmouth, has responded to up to 70 call-outs in the past month which have turned out to simply be legal burn-off activities on private properties. While many of these property owners had been burning off without
council permits, or hadn’t notified the CFA of their burn-off activities, other permitted fires had been called in as a bushfire by neighbours. As the temperatures increase and the country heads towards bushfire season, Wodonga CFA station manager David Brown said crews were getting frustrated with landowners who failed to comply with the rules and residents who made hasty reports. “At this time of year prior to going into the fire danger period, it’s important not to ignore the municipal bylaws,” he said.
“It’s a big burden on our volunteer workforce. “Twenty to 30 volunteers are giving up their home and work time.” Wodonga Council’s burn-off regulations mean during the non-bushfire season, no burning off is allowed in areas smaller than 2000 square metres, while those who can burn off need a permit and to report their activities to the CFA. Obtaining a burn-off permit from council also ensures neighbours are notified of the activity, who are often responsible for the false reports.
“The majority of people who ring up are someone who’s got washing on the line next door.” The issue is one that has been plaguing the CFA for years, says former Myrtleford CFA volunteer firefighter Len Trezise, who has served for 48 years. “I hear on my scanner every day of CFA fire brigades responding to fire reports only to find out when they arrive that it is a landowner burning off, and the fire is under control, and hasn’t been reported ... through the CFA Burn Off notification number.
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“People make reports when they see smoke, but they should be more aware - if they see smoke, first find out if it’s a burn-off.” Mr Trezise said media and the governments also needed to ramp up their role in promoting the CFA Burn Off number, including highlighting it on the annual rates notices, in newsletters, and through social media. Burnoff permits can be obtained from local councils, with the costs covering an inspection of the planned burn-off site to ensure it’s safe to do so. Phone 1800 668 511 to register your burn-off.