Shocking backyard danger! See the 'crazy' move that left an Aussie mum speechless!

In the tranquil suburbs where backyard barbecues and children's laughter are the usual soundtrack, a Melbourne mum's Sunday evening took an alarming turn. VonnieM* was in the midst of preparing a hearty lasagne when an unexpected sight caught her eye – fierce flames leaping into the sky, perilously close to her family home.

The 'quiet neighbourhood' was suddenly ablaze with more than just community spirit. VonnieM recounted to Yahoo News the startling discovery of 10-foot tall flames burning just beyond her fence, casting an ominous glow through her windows. 'We saw big flames just on the other side of our fence. [It was] very strange because they were so tall,' she said. The proximity to the fence line and a large tree only added to her and her husband's concern, as the potential for disaster loomed large.


Upon investigation, the source of the inferno was as bizarre as it was reckless – her neighbours had decided to dispose of an unwanted couch not by council collection or donation, but by setting it alight in their backyard. The neighbours stood watch over the towering flames, seemingly unfazed as they 'kept an eye on it'. When confronted by VonnieM, they casually engaged in conversation, confirming the couch as the fuel for their fiery endeavour.


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A Melbourne mother was shocked when her neighbors burned a couch in their backyard. Credit: @VonnieM / TikTok


'This doesn’t normally happen, that's why it was such a shock... I have the craziest neighbours,' VonnieM remarked, still stunned by the audacity of the act.


The incident raises serious questions about safety and legality. Backyard fires are subject to strict regulations, which vary between council areas and states. In the northeast of Melbourne, where this fiery spectacle took place, the law is clear: burning furniture like this is not just frowned upon, it's illegal.

A spokesperson for Banyule City council clarified to Yahoo News, 'In accordance with Council’s Local Law, we can issue permits to residents that allow them to burn off green waste, such as grass, tree branches and untreated wood.' However, setting ablaze anything beyond the permitted materials, or even the approved green waste without a permit, can attract a hefty $400 fine. The council has confirmed that it is investigating the incident.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to local laws and exercising common sense when it comes to fire safety. Not only can illegal fires lead to fines, but they pose a significant danger to property and lives. It's crucial to dispose of unwanted items responsibly and to report any unsafe or suspicious activities to the authorities.


As we enjoy the comforts of our homes and the camaraderie of our neighbourhoods, let's ensure we do so safely and within the bounds of the law. After all, a safe community is a happy community.

Members, have you ever encountered a similar situation in your neighbourhood? How did you handle it, and what advice would you give to others? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below – your insights could help keep our communities safe!

Key Takeaways
  • A Melbourne mother was surprised when her neighbours burned a couch in their backyard, causing 10-foot tall flames near their homes.
  • The incident, which occurred in a typically quiet neighbourhood, was deemed dangerous due to the proximity to homes and a large tree.
  • Backyard burning is regulated and requires a permit in Melbourne, with the council able to issue fines for illegal fires.
  • The council where the event took place is investigating the situation, highlighting the serious nature of burning waste without permission.
 
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We had neighbours that would park their car on a cement slab in their backyard, and sit and do burnouts. We would have to shut our doors and windows to shut out the smell, smoke and noise.
 
When our nextdoor neighbour moved in he placed a pile of cardboard cartons out the back of his house & lit them. As soon as smoke started billowing over the fence & smoking our washing l yelled out to my wife to come & get the washing off the line, the fire was put out. This fellow we soon realised was a law unto himself & his children likewise. Over the short period of time before he moved out & divorced l had several calls to his home by the Police for actions of him & one of his sons.
 
A guy I worked with accidently set his workshop down the backyard ablaze, the fire brigade turned up and couldn't get easy access, so they came in via the neighbours backyard, which unbeknown to anybody had a large marijuana crop planted. The fire brigade called the cops in and the neighbours got arrested.
 
A guy I worked with accidently set his workshop down the backyard ablaze, the fire brigade turned up and couldn't get easy access, so they came in via the neighbours backyard, which unbeknown to anybody had a large marijuana crop planted. The fire brigade called the cops in and the neighbours got arrested.
🤣😅😭
 

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