Following a summer that saw a number of significant bushfires in the west of the state, the end of Victoria's fire season has officially drawn to a close with the final fire restrictions lifted today.
The first day of Catastrophic fire danger (Tuesday, 13 February) since the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System was introduced kicked off a turbulent few weeks for CFA volunteers.
Three main fires took off in Briagalong, Rawson and Loch Sport in late September and made for an early start to the season for firefighters, burning over 16,000 hectares.
More recently throughout February and March, thousands of firefighters came from across Victoria to fight the devastating bushfires that hit the Grampians, Staffordshire, Bayindeen and Dereel which burnt more than 30,500 hectares.
During this time, work was also undertaken by our volunteers to help clean up the impact of the devasting storms that went through South West Gippsland in Mirboo North.
CFA volunteers also worked tirelessly to support VICSES in flood recovery efforts in January across the North East and around 40 CFA members and staff were deployed to Helensvale in Queensland to support local emergency services with flood and storm response.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook thanked every CFA member, volunteer, and staff, for their incredible response over the last few months whether that was near or far from home.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was in involved in our deployments both across Victoria and interstate, but also to those who remained close to home to continue protecting our local communities," Garry said.
"Each day, we continue to demonstrate that we are flexible, agile, committed and well-equipped to assist those in need at any given time, and it is admirable and appreciated.
"The prolonged response showcased the commitment of CFA brigades across the region, with many working multiple days in challenging circumstances."
While bushfire intensity heightened this summer, as did the amount of incidents CFA volunteers responded to, with more than 14,600 across December to March, up from 10,200 last year.
Our volunteers assisted other agencies a further 426 times compared to 2022-23 and while vegetation fires saw a decline, structure fires and fires involving electrical equipment both rose by 108 respectively.
The areas within Bass Coast, South Gippsland, Greater Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula, Baw Baw, Latrobe and surrounding regions were the final municipalities in Victoria to end the Fire Danger Period at 1.00am this morning.
Landowners now have the opportunity to burn-off again, however it is important that residents check that local conditions are safe before undertaking these activities.
"Residents must still register their burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulation," Garry said.
"Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is cross-checked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding."
Landowners can register their burn-off online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.
