Pomonal fireground 2024
This year's Victorian fire season is set to officially begin with fire restrictions commencing in parts of the state next week.
CFA declared the first Fire Danger Period (FDP) for the 2024-25 fire season, commencing on Monday, 28 October for the following municipalities in the west and northwest of the state:
- Mildura Rural City Council
- Yarriambiack Shire Council
- Hindmarsh Shire Council
- West Wimmera Shire Council
- Horsham Rural City Council
Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer and communities should be preparing their properties and creating a Bushfire Survival Plan.
CFA will be introducing further FDPs for Victorian municipalities in the coming weeks and months based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said with an increased fire risk expected in the west and southwest of the state, now is the time to take action and be ready for what's ahead.
"Fire safety is a shared responsibility and we ask Victorians to be prepared and stay informed," Jason said.
"Take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up your property but also be cautious when burning off and ensure it's properly extinguished.
"Now is also the time to sit down with your household and prepare your bushfire plan."
CFA West Region Acting Deputy Chief Officer Mark Gunning said as a result of reduced rainfall this year, we're concerned about the dry conditions we're already seeing in the far west of the state.
"Following from a devastating fire season in the Wimmera earlier this year, we saw many people who had prepared their properties for fire, survive the passage of the bushfires in the Grampians and southern Wimmera."
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling 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.
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.
- 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
