.jpg "Fire restrictions remain in place for much of Victoria over Easter")
Fire restrictions remain in place for much of Victoria over Easter
Ahead of the Easter break, CFA is reminding Victorians that fire restrictions are still in place across many parts of the state, and burning activities should still be put on hold in these areas.
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) is a designated time in each Victorian municipality when fire restrictions apply due to increased fire risk. During this period, a written permit is required to burn off for farming practices, including grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation.
While some municipalities have now exited the FDP, many areas remain under restrictions due to dry autumnal conditions and unpredictable fire behaviour.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said this was made evident on the weekend when CFA was called in to support the efforts of Forest Fire Management Victoria, after a planned burn jumped containment lines south-west of Daylesford, leading to a Watch and Act warning and potential impact on private properties.
“This was a clear reminder of how quickly conditions can change and communities must not become complacent, despite temperatures starting to drop,” Jason said.
“Conditions remain very dry in certain parts of the state, and the fire risk is certainly still present.
“We know that the Easter break can prompt clean-up efforts for property owners, but it's important that people check their local fire restrictions before lighting any fire in the open and ensure weather conditions are suitable.”
Under the CFA Act, penalties for lighting an open-air fire during the FDP can include fines up to $23,710, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
“The consequences for individuals can be severe, and the impact of an escaped fire on local communities and emergency services can be devastating,” Jason added.
Since fire restrictions began easing in some municipalities on 17 March, CFA has responded to 37 escaped burn-offs, requiring members to turnout 403 times and spend over 550 hours containing these incidents.
“These are preventable incidents that tie up our crews, damage property, and divert resources away from other emergencies,” Jason said.
“We need everyone to take personal responsibility and help us reduce the risk.”
Controlled burns may be visible in parts of Victoria over the coming weeks as part of fuel reduction activities by CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic). To find out if there is a planned burn in your area, click here.
Residents are reminded that these are carefully managed and permitted operations. Seeing smoke or flames from a planned burn does not mean it is safe or acceptable to conduct your own private burn-off.
Apply for a permit to burn off at firepermits.vic.gov.au and check whether your municipality is still under the FDP on the CFA website.