The Fire Danger Period (FDP) restrictions will lift at 1.00 am on Monday 7 March for some municipalities in fire districts 18 and 20.
The FDP will end in the following areas:
Buloke Shire Council,
Mildura Rural City Council
Swan Hill Rural City Council
The northern portion of Yarriambiak Shire Council (north of the line described by: Galaquil West Road and Galaquil East Road)
Campaspe Shire Council
Gannawarra Shire Council
Loddon Shire Council
Deputy Chief Officer for CFA's north west region Bill Johnstone said the ending of the FDP's was because of a range of favorable factors.
"This year's fire season has been a long one, but the risk is easing in these municipalities, and we need to give our primary producers time to prepare the ground for the growing season ahead" he said.
"Nights are becoming increasingly cool and we are seeing dew in the mornings that further reduces our fire risk.
"We are also optimistic that we will see some rainfall in coming days and weeks.
"Traditionally Autumn is a good time for landholders to prepare their properties well ahead of winter.
While the FDP will end in these municipalities people are urged to still remain vigilant as it is not uncommon to get a late burst of hot, dry weather late in the season.
"Even with milder weather we still want landowners to take precautions and ensure conditions are safe before burning off," Bill said.
"Some of our neighboring municipalities will still be under FDP restrictions, and so it is important to remain aware the that. Just because you see someone is burning off you need to be sure that you can, before you light up.
To prevent unnecessary emergency callouts, landowners must register their burn-offs. If smoke or fire is reported, it will be cross-checked with the register to avoid an emergency response.
Burn-offs can be registered online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.
Where possible, landowners should also notify neighbours and those nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.
Burn-off safety checklist :
Check fire restrictions in your area and register your burn-off.
Monitor weather conditions, especially wind.
Notify neighbours to prevent unnecessary emergency calls.
Maintain a three-metre firebreak, clear of flammable materials.
Have enough equipment and water to contain the fire.
Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay until it is fully extinguished.
If your burn-off gets out of control, call 000 immediately.
For tips on protecting your health from smoke, visit the EPA Victoria website.
