CFA has announced fire restrictions for Ballarat, Horsham, Moorabool and Golden Plains local government areas.
The Fire Danger Period will begin at 01.00am on Monday, 13 December for the following municipalities in CFA’s West Region:
- City of Ballarat
- Hepburn Shire Council
- Golden Plains Shire Council
- Moorabool Shire Council
Fire Danger Period restrictions will apply only to these municipalities from 13 December. 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.
Above normal pasture growth in the Wimmera and the Mallee fire districts may see an increase in fire potential in late spring, prior to harvest.
However, District 15 Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Eddie Lacko reminded Victorians that even an average fire season in this state can still be a bad one.
“Conditions through the last fire season were similar to what we’re expecting this year, and during those months we saw significant grass fires in the north and west of the state,” he said.
“Vegetation across the district is currently very green however, recent severe storms have changed the fuel arrangement on the ground in a number of areas.
“We have seen a great deal of trees that have come down or uprooted along with defoliation of vegetation due to high winds that will also alter the fire behaviour this summer, potentially increasing severity.
“Importantly, the rain received is pushing vegetation growth into the abundant range and I urge the community to start their preparations if you haven’t already.”
He said the region has had plenty of winter rainfall and as fuels rapidly dry out with the warmer weather, increased yield will mean the fire potential is heightened.
“Any additional rainfall we do experience in spring will produce more growth, which could very easily result in an even higher fuel load throughout the summer season if not properly managed.
“Reducing fuel loads in these areas will ensure if a fire does break out, it has less chance of taking hold or spreading.
“While CFA and our partner agencies Fire Rescue Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria are doing everything we can to prepare for the bushfire season, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.”
If people are using fire to clean up around their properties, they should register these at the Fire Permits Website www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
ACFO Lacko said there is still an opportunity to clean up properties if that work hasn’t already been done.
“Out-of-control burn-offs and unregistered burn-offs have already caused unnecessary callouts to brigades,” he said.
“You should also check and monitor weather conditions and not burn off in windy conditions or if high winds are forecast – not only on the day of your burn but for the days afterwards.
“More information about burn-off restrictions specific to your area can be found by consulting your local council.”
He said 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 to be investigated by CFA and Victoria Police,” ACFO Lacko 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 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 at firepermits.vic.gov.au or 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 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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