CFA ‘very embarrassed’ after confirming Balmoral fire was actually started by a CFA member

EXCLUSIVE

In an embarrassing and potentially dangerous blunder by the CFA, a grass fire which caused an emergency alert in Victoria’s south-west yesterday was actually started by a CFA member.

As revealed on 3AW Mornings, the CFA member was giving a community lecture at the Balmoral Recreation Reserve when he took a cigarette lighter to some long grass to demonstrate how quickly fuel can burn.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer, Alen Slipovitch, said the man in question is extremely embarrassed.

“I can say individuals are very embarrassed today,” he said.

“We do apologise to the Balmoral community for what happened.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

EMERGENCY WARNING #BALMORAL – there is a bushfire at the Recreation Reserve on HARROW RD that is not under control, travelling in a southerly direction. You are in danger, act now to protect yourself, it is too late to leave. Take shelter indoors https://t.co/K8o4WNj6UL #vicfires pic.twitter.com/BvyN58yd3x

— CFA Updates (@CFA_Updates) December 13, 2017

Mr Slipovitch said the matter is now being investigated but the man has not been stood down.

Tony questioned why anyone, let alone a CFA officer would light a grass fire on a near 40 degree day.

“There was potential definitely for damage to be done,” Mr Slipovitch admitted.

Photo: Facebook, CFA South-west