It ain't always so

There is a VERY good reason why the CFA state the following:-
Can I drive a vehicle in places where the vehicle will be in contact with crops, grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation?

Fire Danger Period		Total Fire Ban
YES	But only if the vehicle is fitted with an efficient silencing device that takes all of the exhaust from the engine through the silencing device. You should avoid driving vehicles through dry vegetation in hot and dry conditions, even if it is not a TFB, due to the risk posed by the hot exhaust system.	YES	But only if the vehicle is fitted with an efficient silencing device that takes all of the exhaust from the engine through the silencing device. This should be avoided wherever possible, due to the extreme fire danger posed by dry vegetation and very hot exhaust systems.

Can I use machinery with an internal combustion or heat engine, such as tractors, slashers, excavating or road making equipment within 9 metres of any crops, grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation?

Fire Danger Period		Total Fire Ban
YES	But only if machinery: Is free from faults and mechanical defects that could cause an outbreak of fire Is fitted with an approved spark arrester Carries fire suppression equipment comprising: a knapsack spray pump, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres; or a water fire extinguisher, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres Tractors fitted with a turbocharger or an exhaust aspirated air cleaner do not require a spark arrestor	YES	As for the Fire Danger Period. However, if possible, postpone this work, as the risk of starting fires is extremely high.

Because this is the outcome (refer below) - thankfully - there was no damage to other property - But I am positive that this tractor DOES NOT meet half of the above requirements and certainly doesn't meet OH&S requirements. There doesn't appear to be any location for a napsack to be carried and it's scary that people still think "She'll be right mate'

You just need to look at what happened in WA last year, where 71 homes were destroyed. 5th Sept. 2011- SMH - Fire Ban Bungle Sure it wasn't a Total Fire Ban Day (TFB) but certainly there was higher than normal risk of a fire getting out of control. People need to use common sense and personal judgement and ensure that ALL safety measures are taken to avoid fire impacting yourself, your neighbours and even people in other suburbs/towns.