The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1.00am on Monday, 22 April in the following municipalities in CFA’s Districts 4,5, 6 and 7:
- City of Greater Geelong
- Borough of Queenscliffe
- Surf Coast Shire
- Golden Plains Shire
- Corangamite Shire
- Colac-Otway Shire
- South Grampians Shire Council
- Moyne
- Warrnambool
- Glenelg Shire
While restrictions are lifting in these areas, CFA still expects the grassfire risk to remain across the state so Victorians need to remain alert and prepared.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer of South-West Adrian Gutsche said conditions have changed significantly in the past several weeks and prompted an early finish to the fire danger period.
“We encourage people to exercise caution once restrictions are lifted.
“All burning off must be conducted in compliance with municipal local laws.”
“There was real potential in the region for fires prior to this due to the late onset of summer, several high fire danger days and considerable drying of all available fuels.
“Communities have really played their part by being vigilant and understanding the risk to ensure there were no damaging fires that could have put us at risk” Adrian said.
“We’re urging everyone to stay safe, whether you’re living in or travelling to high bushfire risk areas.
“Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk.”
The end of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will be an opportunity for some landowners to burn-off again, however it’s important that residents check that local conditions are safe before undertaking these activities.
“You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” Adrian said.
“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.
“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.