The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish in parts of CFA’s District 15 over the coming weeks.
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1.00am on Monday, 4 April in the following municipalities in CFA’s District 15:
- City of Ballarat
- Golden Plains Shire
- Hepburn Shire Council
- Moorabool Shire Council
According to the latest Australian Seasonal Outlook, higher rainfall totals have resulted in below average fire conditions, with reduced fire activity in both grasslands and forests this summer.
Much of Victoria will continue to experience average rainfall over the coming months, however temperatures are predicted to be warmer than normal, particularly in the western parts of the state.
CFA District 15 Acting Assistant Chief Fire (A/ACFO) Chris Bigham said while we have been relatively quiet in District 15, our adjoining Districts to the West have been extremely busy since the start of the new year and we have been in a great position to assist when requested.
“While it is getting cooler with spasmodic rain, the unburnt fuels still remain in large parts of our area,” he said
A/ACFO Chris Bigham emphasised that while the FDP is coming to an end in some areas, it is still important to remain vigilant.
“We’re urging everyone to stay safe, whether you’re living in or travelling to high bushfire risk areas,” he said.
“Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk.”
While the Fire Danger Period will come to an end, it is still important that residents check the local conditions are safe for any burn-off they were considering undertaking.
“You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” A/ACFO Bigham said.
“Registering your burn-off ensures that if somebody reports smoke, the incident will be crosschecked with the burn-off register, which will then prevent volunteer firefighters being taken away from workplaces, families and potentially genuine emergencies.”
Alternatively, you can register with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling
1800 668 511 or emailing
burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au
“When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.”
Keep your burn off safe and legal:
- Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
- Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind.
- To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand.
- Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
- Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.
- Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration.
- If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately.