Fire restrictions are now in effect across the southeast
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin at 1:00am on Monday, December 9, for the following municipalities in CFA’s southeast region:
- Bass Coast Shire Council
- Cardinia Shire Council
- Casey Shire Council
- City of Greater Dandenong
- Frankston Shire Council
- Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
- French Island
- City of Kingston
- Baw Baw Shire Council
- South Gippsland Shire Council
- Wellington Shire Council
- East Gippsland Shire Council
- Latrobe City Shire Council
Residents in these areas are encouraged to use this time to prepare their properties ahead of the Fire Danger Period (FDP). This includes cleaning up dry grass, leaves, and other flammable materials, as well as completing safe private burn-offs while they are still permitted.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen (Southeast) stressed the importance of taking early action as conditions continue to dry across the region.
“Now is the time for residents to act by clearing around their homes and ensuring any private burn-offs are completed safely before restrictions come into effect,” Trevor said.
“Even though grasslands might still look green in some areas, the ground underneath is much drier than in previous years, which makes fires more likely to spread.
“After much consultation, there was strong support for introducing the fire danger period now to keep our communities as safe as possible,” he added.
Trevor also highlighted the shared responsibility in fire prevention.
“CFA members are ready to respond and support communities as we head into another bushfire season,” he said.
“But we can’t do it alone—fire prevention is a shared responsibility.
“Using common sense and taking proactive steps, like preparing your property and following fire restrictions, is key to reducing the risk of fires.
“These actions can make a significant difference in keeping our communities safe.”
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling Tripe Zero Victoria 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.
- 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.