Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Country Fire Authority Act 1958 - SECT 34

Duties of owner etc. of land in case of fire during fire danger period

34. Duties of owner etc. of land in case of fire during fire danger period



(1) Where a fire (not being part of burning off operations carried on under
and in accordance with this Act or any direction given thereunder or under and
in accordance with the Forests Act 1958 or any direction or authority given
thereunder) is burning on any land in the country area of Victoria at any time
during a fire danger period the owner or the occupier or the person in charge
of that land whether or not he has lighted the fire or caused the fire to be
lighted shall-

   (a)  immediately upon becoming aware of the fire, take all possible steps
        to extinguish the fire; and

   (b)  in the event of it appearing that with the resources at his disposal
        he will be unable to extinguish the fire, if practicable means of
        communication are available, immediately inform or cause to be
        informed the nearest available officer or member of a brigade or a
        forest officer or a member of the police force of the existence and
        location of the fire.





(2) Notwithstanding that a person has complied with subsection (1) with
respect to giving information as to the existence and location of a fire, he
shall continue to take all possible steps to extinguish the fire.

Penalty: 50 penalty units or imprisonment for twelve months or both.

Division 3-Fire prevention