Fire restrictions announced for District 13
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin at 01.00am on Monday, 18 December for the following municipalities in CFA's District 13:
- Yarra Ranges Council
- Knox City Council
- Manningham Council
- Maroondah City Council
The El Niño weather pattern means Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer than recent years, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a Bushfire Survival Plan.
CFA District 13 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Matt Hirst said conditions across the district before the recent rain had seen a drying of grassland and forest fuels.
"Despite recent rainfall we are expecting the grass and bush to dry rapidly across the district in the coming weeks with the onset of warmer weather, increased yield and the potential fuel will mean that the fire risk is heightened," ACFO Hirst said.
"Any additional rainfall we do experience will produce more growth, which can easily result in a higher fuel load through-out summer if not properly managed. Reducing fuel loads by residents around their properties will assist in reducing the spread of fire.
"Community members should be preparing their properties for the risk of fires and ensuring they have a plan in place in case of fire."
While CFA's 52,000 members are poised to respond and support communities this bushfire season, they're urging people to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.
Residents in District 13 are asked to take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up their properties and for landowners to conduct safe private burn-offs where possible.
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.
No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.
Fire Danger Period information:
- A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au. It can also be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office.
- Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can.
- Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms.
