Fire restrictions announced for District 15

The El Nino 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.

The latest Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring predicts the fire risk in the coming months to be normal across the state, as well as strong drying patterns in Gippsland's forested areas.

CFA District 15 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lachlan Redman said local conditions were showing a rapid rate of grassland curing.

"The recent spell of increased temperatures and days of higher than average windy conditions have seen a drying of grassland areas including parts of the forested areas. This means in preparing for the upcoming fire danger period, the community should be clearing up around their properties and have a fire plan prepared and practised," he said.

"Careful attention should be given when people are mowing or slashing their properties. It's always a good idea to do these activities in cooler conditions which will assist in preventing the potential risk of a fire occurring. When burning off, people must always be in attendance when the fire is a light and monitor current and forecasted weather conditions."

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 15 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.