Following a drier-than-average autumn and winter, several areas in Victoria are facing an increased fire risk this summer due to a build-up of dead and dry vegetation, particularly in forested regions.
For municipalities in the CFA’s northeast and northwest like Melton, the fire danger period starts on Monday, November 18 at 1am.
Community members are encouraged to understand that fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and the public.
CFA District 12 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Stephen Keating said some areas have experienced a significant lack of rainfall over the last eight months and the community should be aware of the risks.
“With the onset of the warmer weather and the seasonal grass beginning to dry out, fires are now igniting and developing with ease,” he said.
“CFA needs communities to ensure they have prepared properties and a fire plan.
“If you live in peri urban area, especially if you are close to farm and grassland, ensure your property is ready for summer.”
CFA District 14 Acting Assistant chief Fire Officer Chris Eagle said now is the time for residents to finish cleaning up their properties, through the clearing of gutters and vegetation, and pruning trees and cutting grass.
“Although we’ve had good grass growth during winter, we’ve had very little rain recently and both temperatures and wind speed has increased, which has made conditions much drier,” he said.
“Private escaped burn-offs have become more frequent over the last two weeks, which have been burning into adjoining paddocks.
“Residents are reminder to only burn green waste and to check council by-laws before burning off.”
Further Fire Danger Periods will be announced for other Victorian municipalities in the coming weeks and months based on rainfall, grassland curing rates, and local conditions.
Residents are urged to use the time before the FDP begins to clean up their properties.
Landowners are encouraged to conduct safe private burn-offs where possible, and ensure they notify authorities in advance.
Those conducting burn-offs must register online at the Fire Permits Victoria website, firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling Triple Zero Victoria on 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.
For more information about fire permits, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-danger-period.
