CFA is introducing fire restrictions for Wellington and East Gippsland shires, starting from 01.00am on Monday 10 September 2018 and continuing until 1 May 2019 unless stated otherwise.
CFA South East Region Acting Assistant Chief Officer Greg Christison said that restrictions are being enforced early to minimise the risk of more grass and bushfires being started by private burn-offs in the current dry conditions.
“This is not a normal year, we’re a month ahead of what used to be normal - we’ve had a 50 to 60 per cent deficit in annual rainfall on top of last year’s deficit, and grass and forest fuels are tinder-dry,” Mr Christison said.
“CFA and FFMVic have already responded to an unprecedented number of early fires this year, the majority of which were caused by burn-offs on private land getting out of control.
“In many instances, the landholders did all the right things and were caught out by sudden changes in wind and weather and very dry fuels.
“But we also saw irresponsible behaviour: lack of resourcing, not attending a burn at all times, no notification to VicFire and neighbours, and apathy towards the responsible management of fire.”
Mr Christison said both fire services had brought their fire preparations forward and were well-resourced and well-prepared to respond to the threat of bushfire, with additional fire fighters, new equipment and infrastructure, and an expanded aircraft fleet.
“The community needs to be fire ready early too - especially those living in high-risk areas. Fire restrictions are in place for a reason - to help prevent fires from starting.”
“It’s critical that residents understand and comply with these fire restrictions to help to prevent bushfires, like the ones we’ve already seen in Gippsland,” Mr Christison said.
"We urge residents to make preparation for fire a habit so they are not caught unprepared when bushfires strike.”
“Prepare your property, prepare yourself and prepare your family for fire. Have a fire plan in place and most importantly, practise it.”
To find out more about getting ready for the fire season visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. Any burn-offs should be registered 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. 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/