Country Fire Authority (CFA) has declared the Fire Danger Period for Yarra Ranges 2024-25 will begin at 1.00am on Monday, 23 December.
During the Fire Danger Period, no open-air burning will be allowed without a permit refer to CFA's Can I or Can't I webpage at cfa.vic.gov.au/can. for a full list of conditions
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, encouraged residents to continue clearing their properties of excess vegetation, which can quickly become fuel in a fire.
"The Fire Danger Period officially marks the start of the fire season in Yarra Ranges and it indicates the heightened fire risk and from which burning off in the open is prohibited," Cr Child said.
"Prior to and during this period, fallen tree debris, grass, twigs and excess vegetation can dry out and become very flammable and provide fuel in the event of a bush or grass fire, so it's important to clear up what you can before the fire season begins properly.
"In particular, roof spouting and under and around decks should be kept clear of flammable material all summer.
"Check Council's website for details about burning off in your area before the Fire Danger Period commences, and remember that burning off isn't the only way you can prepare; use your weekly FOGO bin to get rid of green waste or take excess waste and branches to waste recycling centre.
"Once the Fire Danger Period is underway, community members can utilise their hard waste collection to get rid of branches between January and March."
Recently, Council's Fire Hazard Inspection Program has been operating with 357 inspections undertaken. This has resulted in 221 fire prevention notices being issued where property owners have a period of time to clean-up their property in readiness for the fire season.
"Our emergency services do a fantastic job of keeping the community safe right through the year, especially during the fire season, but we need to remember that managing bushfire risk is everyone's responsibility," Cr Child said.
"We need to do our bit by clearing our properties to reduce the risk of a grass or bushfire taking hold.
"There's very little time before the Fire Danger Period begins, so when planning a burn off, you must check conditions and whether you're able to burn off in your area.
Landowners conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
By registering your burn-off before 23 December, any reports of smoke or fire will be crosschecked with the burn-off register to avoid unnecessary response of fire services.
It's also a good idea to notify your neighbours that they may see smoke.
