FIRE restrictions come into force in Kingston on Monday 18 December.
This means fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from the CFA or Kingston Council municipal fire prevention officers.
Lighting a fire in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of $22,000 and/or 12 months jail.
Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not need a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces.
I incinerators, chainsaw and lawn mowers, welding and grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with internal combustion engines are permitted under certain conditions.
A total fire ban declaration means no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day unless there is a specific exemption or special permit issued.
This applies irrespective of the Fire Restriction status for a given municipality.
Further details at cfa.vic.gov.au/can online.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 13 December 2017
