After a drier-than-average autumn and winter, Victoria’s west and southwest are facing an increased fire risk leading into summer, with substantial amounts of dead and dry plant material in forests making it easier for fires to ignite and spread.
CFA District 23 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Contessa said now is the time for residents to be aware of the conditions around them and to prepare their properties.
“While we’ve had some recent rain, we are concerned that this has caused significant growth in surrounding vegetation,” Steve said.
“The warmer weather and windy days will see this quickly dry out, significantly increasing the risk of fire to communities across the North East.”
District 24 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brett Myers said there is a great deal of fuel out there and we’re predicting a summer of grassfires.
“We’re asking people to keep an eye out on the VicEmergency App and CFA website, to be aware of the fire danger ratings and to know what their plan is should a fire event arise,” Brett said.
“If you can take the time this week to finalise preparing your properties, we strongly suggest you do so, whether that is reducing vegetation around your property or clearing your gutters.”
Across the rest of the state, a warmer-than-average spring with an uncertain rainfall outlook is expected. While the fire risk in these areas is considered normal, it’s crucial not to be complacent; fires can still occur anytime and anywhere when temperatures rise, and vegetation dries out.
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 these municipalities in the northeast of the state 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 Triple 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:
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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.