The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1.00am on Monday, 15 April for the remainder of the North East region in the following municipalities in CFA’s District 12, 13, 23 and 24.
- Rural City of Wangaratta
- Benalla Rural City
- Mansfield Shire Council
- Mount Buller Alpine Resort
- Mount Stirling Alpine Resort
- Indigo Shire Council
- Wodonga Council
- Alpine Shire Council
- Towong Shire Council
- Falls Creek Alpine Resort
- Mt Hotham Alpine Resort
- Mitchell Shire Council
- Murrindindi Shire Council
- Knox City Council
- Yarra Ranges Council (Those portions not included in the area formerly known as the Metropolitan Fire District as at 30 June 2020)
- Manningham Council (Those portions not included in the area formerly known as the Metropolitan Fire District as at 30 June 2020)
- Maroondah City Council (Those portions not included in the area formerly known as the Metropolitan Fire District as at 30 June 2020)
While restrictions are lifting in these areas, CFA still expects the grassfire risk to remain across the state, so Victorians need to be alert and prepared.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer North East Ross Sullivan said the mild conditions across the region with an increase in rain has allowed for fire restrictions to ease.
“With the wet weather looming, the end of the Fire Danger Period will be an opportunity for some landowners to burn-off again before we hit winter, and for those in the agricultural sector to prepare their crops,” Ross said.
“We’re seeing reduced fuel loads and those green shoots coming through, however residents should continue checking local conditions are safe before undertaking these activities.
“We may still see some days of elevated fire risk, so please monitor hot, dry and windy days.”
Landowners must still register their burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws, as well as EPA laws and applicable regulations.
“Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is cross-checked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding,” Ross said.
“When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.”
Landowners can register their burn-off online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.
If possible, landowners should also notify their neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precautions.
Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on EPA’s website.
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.
- Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on EPA’s website.