Two fires – a registered burn-off and a bonfire – became out of control on residential properties in Kyneton last week and prompted authorities to make a statement.
One resident was conducting a routine garden clean-up and registered the burn-off with authorities. An unexpected wind picked up and within minutes the small fire had burnt 20m of surrounding grass and threatened the adjacent house. People nearby assisted to control the blaze with shovels and a hose until firefighters arrived.
“I’m still in shock by it,” the resident said.
“I’m grateful for the CFA, my neighbours who didn’t hesitate to help straight away, and a community member who managed the fire with his excavator.”
Another resident lost control of his bonfire and CFA dispatchers reported they were panicking because it had spread to a nearby shed and chemicals were inside. It, too, was put out by responding firefighters.
Kyneton CFA responded with a post on Facebook and said, “multiple escaped burn-offs have already impacted private properties around the region—often due to poor preparation, no containment lines, and landowners walking away from smouldering piles”.
“Conditions across the Kyneton region remain unusually dry. This Sunday’s Fire Danger Rating is forecast to reach HIGH—a level rarely seen in May, just two weeks from winter.”
Facebook users responded to the post and voiced concern about whether fire restrictions were lifted too early.
Tristian Smith, Lieutenant with the Kyneton Fire Brigade, urged the community to hold-off on burns unless necessary.
“Too many fires are being lit without water nearby, without cleared breaks, and without anyone staying to monitor. We’re now in a pattern of callouts that could have been avoided,” Smith said.
“If you light it, you’re responsible for it.”
CFA brigades have responded to out-of-control burn-offs every day since the Fire Danger Period in the Macedon Ranges ended on April 22.
