An out of control burn-off at Wildwood, south of Clarkefield, last Wednesday has sparked warnings of illegal rubbish burning.
On arrival, firefighters identified multiple large burn piles containing waste materials that are illegal to burn under Victorian law.
Several district fire brigades worked for four hours to bring the fire under control and make the area safe. To prevent the fire from flaring up again, crews used Class A foam.
Brigades on site included Clarkefield, Bolinda and Monegeetta, Riddells Creek, Bulla and Sunbury. Fire Rescue Victoria stations 53 and 80 also attended as well as police and EPA Victoria.
Authorities reminded residents that waste that should go to a landfill or recycling facility must not be mixed with legitimate burn-off materials (prunings and felled timber).
Before lighting up a burn-off people are urged to check weather conditions, follow their local council’s rules and permits, and never burn prohibited items such as plastics, chemicals, oils, paint, electronic waste, or food scraps.
