CFA has announced fire restrictions across Gannawarra, Loddon and Campaspe local government areas.
The Fire Danger Period will begin at 01.00am on Monday, 15 November for the following municipalities in CFA’s North West Region:
The Fire Danger Period will begin at 01.00am on Monday, 22 November for the following municipalities in CFA’s North West Region:
- Loddon Shire Council
- Campaspe Shire Council
Fire Danger Period restrictions will apply only to these municipalities from the respective commencement dates. Further Fire Danger Periods will be introduced across Victoria in the coming months in accordance with local conditions.
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Victoria released on 26 August identified potential for increased grassfire conditions for the 2021/22 fire season.
Much of Victoria has experienced average to above average rainfall during winter and this is likely to result in continuous grass and crop fuels through most areas west and north of the Great Dividing Range.
CFA District 20 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bryan Suckling reminded Victorians these conditions can present challenges to our firefighters and communities and it's important we prepare.
“We’ve had plenty of winter rainfall resulting in high fuel loads in the grasslands. This is good news for our cropping farmers with increased yields, however as the weather warms our fire potential rapidly grows,” he said.
“Reducing fuel loads will decrease the chance of a fire starting or spreading. Fuel reduction practices such as slashing, mowing, spraying and mechanical removal will significantly reduce the risk.
“CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria are doing everything we can to prepare for the fire season and we look to the community to support us.”
If people intend to use fire to clean up around their properties prior to the Fire Danger Period they should carefully monitor conditions and register their burn with ESTA on 1800 668 51.
During the Fire Danger Period permits for essential burning only can be applied for through the Fire Permits Website www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
ACFO Suckling said there is still opportunity to clean up properties.
“Out-of-control burn-offs and unregistered burn-offs have already caused unnecessary callouts for our members,” he said.
“You should regularly monitor weather conditions and avoid burning off in windy conditions – not only on the day of your burn but for the days afterwards."
Once the Fire Danger Period (FDP) comes into effect, CFA has a zero-tolerance approach to any fires caused by negligent behaviour.
“Expect any escaped or uncontrolled fire you start during the FDP to be investigated by CFA and Victoria Police,” he said.
Once a Fire Danger Period has been declared in your local government area, fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from CFA or a Municipal Fire Prevention Officer. There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.
You can apply for a permit at https://firepermits.vic.gov.au.
Fire Danger Periods are based on local conditions and take into account fuel moisture, fuel loads, grassland curing, weather and rainfall. More information and restrictions are published at https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-danger-period-restrictions. Please note the latest restrictions will be published on this page by the Tuesday before they come into force.
Victorians can find out “Can I or Can’t I?” information at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. All burn-offs should be registered with the VicFire Burn-off notification line on 1800 668 511.
Fire Danger Period information:
- A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. This permit may be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office. You can apply for a permit at https://firepermits.vic.gov.au.
- Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $19,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment. Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces (to view complete conditions visit cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can
- The use of an incinerator, chainsaw/lawn mower, welding/grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/heat engine are permitted provided conditions are followed.
- Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/farms – this information is important especially for new farmers, bush block owners or hobby farmers.
- A Total Fire Ban declaration means no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day unless there is a specific exemption or special permit issued. This applies irrespective of the Fire Restriction status for a given municipality. Further details at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can/
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