BE MINDFUL OF IGNITION SOURCES

9/12/2013

The CFS is advising people in rural areas to take extra precautions when using machinery or operating vehicles to prevent fires from igniting during the Fire Danger Season.

This follows a spate of recent grass fires in the State's South East caused by vehicles after being driven through paddocks.

Regional Duty Officer Jason Druwitt said basic precautions and checks can easily prevent potentially damaging bushfires.

"There have been two incidents recently where hay, stuck on the exhaust of vehicles, ignited and caused extensive damage to both vehicles," he said.

"It also appears that another fire may have been started by a hot exhaust of a car being driven in a paddock."

Mr Druwitt said hot vehicle exhausts can ignite fires in long grasses and people need to be vigilant and mindful of how easily fires can start, as part of their responsibilities to prevent them from happening during the Fire Danger Season.

"This also applies to the use of machinery and equipment such as welders and angle grinders that can easily create sparks and may start a fire," he said.

More information about fire safety and restrictions during the Fire Danger Season is available through the CFS website or by contacting a fire prevention officer at a local council office.