Fire restrictions announced for parts of District 6

The latest Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Victoria, released on 26 November, identified due to significant grass growth, 2020/21 has the potential to be more of a grassfire-dominated season.

It indicates that Victoria is likely to experience a less severe bushfire season this summer compared to last summer - particularly in the east of the state.

The outlook is due to average to above average rainfall during spring, combined with an outlook of above average rainfall for much of Victoria from December to February, particularly across the northern parts and mountain regions, due to the influence of La Niña.

Considering the outlook and current conditions, the fire season has the potential to be a grassfire-dominated season, with shorter-duration fires in grass and dry forests during hotter and windier days.

Potential for above-normal grassfire activity has been flagged for north-east border areas in December, due to the heavy grass and crop fuels prior to harvest.

Some Victorian forests may remain damp enough to experience average to below-average fire activity.

CFA reminds Victorians not to be complacent as an average fire season in this state can still be a bad one.

CFA District 6 Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Craig Brittain said the available fuel loads across the District are drying rapidly, meaning the risk of fires in the landscape are of a real concern.

“Reducing fuel loads will ensure if a fire does break out, it has less chance of taking hold or spreading,” said ACFO Brittain. “However, we as a community, should be ensuring that fires do not occur in the first place.”

“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.”

ACFO Brittain said there was still a short window of opportunity to clean up your property if you haven’t already done so.

“People need to be aware that if using fire to clean up around their properties they need to register these through the Fire Permits Victoria website or by calling 1800 668 511. So far this year, out-of-control burn-offs and unregistered burn-offs have already caused unnecessary callouts to brigades,” he said.

“You should not burn-off when winds are high or high winds are forecast - not only on the day of your burn but for the days afterwards.

“For information about burn-off restrictions specific to your area, consult 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 Brittain said.

CFA can issue permits for certain circumstances during the FDP. There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.

During the FDP fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from CFA or a Municipal Fire Prevention Officer. FDPs are based on local conditions and take into account fuel moisture, fuel loads, grassland curing, weather and rainfall.

Fire Danger Period information and restrictions are published at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/restrictions-during-the-fire-danger-period. 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 online through the Fire Permits Victoria website (firepermits.vic.gov.au) or by calling 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. Please check with your municipality in the first instance.
• 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/