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The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin at 01.00am on Monday, 20 November for the following municipalities in CFA’s District 16.
- Pyrenees Shire
- Rural City of Ararat
The El Nino weather pattern means Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer than recent years, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a Bushfire Survival Plan.
CFA District 16 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bernie Fradd said with grass and undergrowth rapidly drying off it is important that people take care with their clean up before the restrictions commence.
“We have already seen a number of burn-offs escape over recent weeks, which has led to the response of brigades,” ACFO Fradd said.
“Unless people have the resources and experience, any burning off should now be left until the Fire Danger Period is over.
“Our statistics show around 60 to 70 per cent of fires during the Fire Danger Period are caused by reckless activity involving equipment such as grinders or mowers in dry grass and out-of-control burn-offs or campfires.
“It is important residents ensure that all fires on their property are properly extinguished and that they always have enough water on hand.
“Mowing, slashing, pruning and general clean-up activities around your property are still really effective ways to reduce the fire risk to yourself and your neighbours in preparation.
While CFA’s 52,000 members are poised to respond and support communities this bushfire season, they’re urging people to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.
Residents in Pyrenees and Ararat are asked to take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up their properties and for landowners to conduct safe private burn-offs where possible.
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.
No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.
Fire Danger Period information:
- A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au. It can also be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office.
- Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can.
- Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms.
- More information about FDPs is available online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod.
- To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.