Victorian government takes hard line on 'careless behaviour' this Fire Danger Period

The Victorian government is taking a stand against ??€œcareless behaviour??€ that could lead to preventable damage-causing events during this year??€™s Fire Danger Period.

This should be welcome news to all business owners in the state whose premises are at risk of fire damage in the hot summer months.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells announced on Friday, November 6, the Victorian government was making some amendments to the Country Fire Authority Regulations 2004.

A number of ??€œhigh risk fire activities??€ will be labelled as restricted under the new regulations, to ??€œstop people causing fires by using equipment carelessly during the Fire Danger Period and also enhance the ability of the authorities to prevent fires before they happen," said Mr Wells.

Such activities include welding, soldering, charring, setting up campfires and using incinerators. For a full list, check out the Country Fire Authority??€™s ??€œCan I or Can??€™t I???€ brochure, which can be found of their website.

Mr Wells explained that people needing to undertake any of these activities are permitted to do so, given they observe the conditions outlined by the new regulations.

If they do not, Victoria Police is now able to charge them, even if the activities they are performing do not actually result in a fire.

"The Fire Danger Period has already begun in parts of Victoria and people need to exercise care and consider the risks of fire when working on their property," announced Mr Wells.

"Don't be complacent. Find out what you can and can't do during declared Fire Danger Periods, and on days of Total Fire Ban, when fires in the open air are legally restricted."

In order to protect your business this Fire Danger Period, consider arranging business insurance.

Elders Insurance offers business property insurance that contains fire cover, so you won??€™t be out of pocket if and when disaster strikes.