Fire restrictions will be in force across the whole state soon with the final Fire Danger Period (FDP) declared for the Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah and Manningham.
This will come into effect from 1am on Monday 23 December.
After a drier-than-average autumn and winter, much of Victoria faces an elevated fire risk this summer, particularly in the state’s west, northeast, and southwest Gippsland, as well as the Mornington Peninsula and parts of greater Melbourne.
CFA District 13 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Matt Hirst said the conditions mean locals need to stay vigilant as the region heads into fire season.
“What we’re seeing is the result of months of dry conditions,” he said.
“Despite recent rainfall, fine fuels, such as grasses and leaf litter on the forest floor will dry out very fast, which could lead to conditions for fires to spread quickly.”
Mr Hirst also stressed the importance of safe practices when it comes to burn-offs.
“Our crews are ready, but we need everyone to do their part to minimise risk,” he said.
“Preparing your property is one of the most important steps you can take before fire danger days arrive.
“If you’re planning a burn-off, make sure it’s done safely and that you register it online.
“This ensures emergency resources can stay focused on genuine incidents.”
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child also encouraged residents to continue clearing their properties of excess vegetation, which can quickly become fuel in a fire.
“The Fire Danger Period officially marks the start of the fire season in Yarra Ranges and it indicates the heightened fire risk and from which burning off in the open is prohibited,” Cr Child said.
“Prior to and during this period, fallen tree debris, grass, twigs and excess vegetation can dry out and become very flammable and provide fuel in the event of a bush or grass fire, so it’s important to clear up what you can before the fire season begins properly.
“In particular, roof spouting and under and around decks should be kept clear of flammable material all summer.”
Cr Child reminded people however, that burning off was not the only option with FOGO bins a weekly opportunity to discard green waste.
“Once the Fire Danger Period is underway, community members can utilise their hard waste collection to get rid of branches between January and March.”
Recently, the council’s Fire Hazard Inspection Program has been operating with 357 inspections undertaken. This has resulted in 221 fire prevention notices being issued where property owners have a period of time to clean-up their property in readiness for the fire season.
“Our emergency services do a fantastic job of keeping the community safe right through the year, especially during the fire season, but we need to remember that managing bushfire risk is everyone’s responsibility,” Cr Child said.
“We need to do our bit by clearing our properties to reduce the risk of a grass or bushfire taking hold.
“There’s very little time before the Fire Danger Period begins, so when planning a burn off, you must check conditions and whether you’re able to burn off in your area.”
Landowners conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
By registering your burn-off before 23 December, any reports of smoke or fire will be crosschecked with the burn-off register to avoid unnecessary response of fire services.
No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
For more information about the Fire Danger Period and tips for preparing your property, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod
