Fire restrictions will begin for much of the region on Monday, including the City of Greater Bendigo.
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From 1am Monday, permits, or certain requirements, are needed to light a fire in the open air, marking the start of the fire danger period for Greater Bendigo and the Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields shire councils.
CFA District 02 operations manager Bill Johnstone said there was potential for a significant fire season ahead and the CFA would be taking a zero-tolerance approach to any unauthorised fires or fires resulting from negligent behaviour.
“Even if people have a permit it doesn’t exclude them being dealt with if they’ve failed to comply with their permit conditions,” he said.
During the fire danger period, fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from the CFA or a municipal fire prevention officer.
Mr Johnstone said now was the time for people to prepare their properties for fire by getting rid of rubbish, cleaning gutters and making sure there was no high growth around houses.
“It’s keeping your grass short, keeping your lawn green if you can and if you’re on the land, consider where you put your fire breaks – bare-earth breaks always work better,” he said.
“If people are going to have a burn this week before the start of the fire danger period they should also register that burn and you can do that by dialing 1800 668 511.”
He urged people to plan ahead this fire season.
“Be aware of the conditions, plan ahead, particularly on days of really high fire danger and code red days, if people have a plan, put it into place.”
- Call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 or visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can for more information on the fire danger period.
Fire danger period information from the CFA:
- A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. This permit may be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office. Please check with your municipality in the first instance.
- Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $21,600 and/or 12 months imprisonment. Barbecues and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces (to view complete conditions visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can)
- The use of an incinerator, chainsaw/lawn mower, welding/grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/heat engine are permitted provided conditions are followed.
- Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farming – this information is important especially for new farmers, bush block owners or hobby farmers.
- A Total Fire Ban declaration means no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day unless there is a specific exemption or special permit issued. This applies irrespective of the Fire Restriction status for a given municipality. Further details at cfa.vic.gov.au/can