The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1.00am on Monday, 29 March 2021 in the following municipalities in CFA's District 24, 23, 22 and 12:
- Rural City of Wodonga
- Mount Hotham Alpine Resort
- Shire of Towong
- Shire of Alpine
- Falls Creek Alpine Resort
- Shire of Indigo
- Rural City of Wangaratta
- Benalla Rural City
- Mansfield Shire Council
- Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Resort Management Board
- Greater City of Shepparton
- Shire of Moira
- Shire of Strathbogie
- Mitchell Shire Council
- Murrindindi Shire Council
According to the latest Australian Seasonal Outlook, above average summer rainfall has led to a reduced bushfire risk for autumn.
These conditions have led to a reduced fire activity in both grasslands and forests this summer.
Much of Victoria will continue to experience milder conditions and lower bushfire potential over the coming months.
CFA North East Deputy Chief Officer Ross Sullivan said widespread rainfall across the region has seen a reduced risk of fires escaping and therefore the restrictions that are in place over the peak summer period have been removed.
DCO Sullivan emphasised that while the FDP is coming to an end in some areas, it is still important to remain vigilant.
"While these restrictions will be lifted in time for Easter, we are calling on campers and landowners to ensure they remain safe around fire," he said.
Unattended campfires continue to be a cause of concern for fire authorities and can cause significant damage if they escape.
Absentee landowners who attend their property over the Easter break must ensure that any fires they light as part of a clean-up are fully extinguished prior to returning home.
Irrespective of restrictions that are in place, DCO Sullivan said that people are responsible for any fires they light and will be held accountable by Victoria Police for any damage that results.
"Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk," DCO Sullivan said.
While the Fire Danger Period will come to an end, it is still important that residents check the local conditions are safe for any burn-off they were considering undertaking.
"You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations," DCO Sullivan said.
"Registering your burn-off ensures that if somebody reports smoke, the incident will be cross-checked with the burn-off register, which will then prevent CFA crews wasting resources and showing up at your door."
Landowners can now register their burn-off online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
