Fire Danger Period into effect across Victoria

THE FireDanger Period (FDP) has now come into effect across all municipalities under CFAFireDistricts in Victoria.

From 30 January, firerestrictions have been in place in areas of the South East and outerMelbourne, whichwill bring the entirestate under restrictions. Despite widespread rainfall late-last year, Victorians cannot become complacent about increasing firerisk as vegetation continues to dry out rapidly across the state.

CFAChiefOfficer,JasonHeffernan, said while the final municipalities to move into firerestrictions had experienceda delayed starttothe fireseason,these areas can expect high firerisk conditions in coming weeks.

“Wehavealready seenmany ofour crews respond to significant fast-spreading grassfires and we can expect these incidents to become morefrequent as we experiencewarmer and drierconditions throughout February,” he said. “The run of warmer weather thismonth has led to the grassland curingacross the state, which has contributed to increasing fire potential.”

The latest outlook for Victoria suggested the fireseason is expected to be normal, except for parts of central, north east and eastern Victoriawherethe potentialis below normal. “Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas of the world and even an average season can result in dangerous and damaging fires,” CO Heffernan said.

CFAcrews havealsorespondedtoa number of illegal burn-offs outof control during the firedanger period so far thisseason, whichservesasa timely reminder for people to make surethey understand what the restrictions mean for them.

“Make sureyou know whatyou can and can’t do during the FireDanger Period, especially when it comes to barbecues, campfires, chainsaws, farmmachinery, welders and other items that present a firerisk.”

To learnmoreabout “Can Ior Can’t I?” information, visit the CFAwebsite at www. cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can or by callingVicEmergencyHotlineon 1800 226 226.

No burning offispermitted during the FDP without apermittoburn, whichcan be applied for through the FirePermits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic. gov.au.

Thereare very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensurethey always act safely.

Some simpleactionsVictorians living in bushfirerisk areas can take to keep their property tidy include moving woodpiles away from your home or shed, pruning tree branches so they don’t overhang the roof or touch walls, clean up your gutters and keep grass shorter than 10cm.