November 20 is the beginning of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) for municipalities in Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) District 14 and 15, which include Melton and Moorabool respectively.
The announcement comes amid the El Nino weather pattern, meaning Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a bushfire survival plan.
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 District 14and 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, which allows 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.
Details: www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or 1800 668 511.
