During a Fire Danger Period fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permission from the CFA or a Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

The Fire Danger Periods are based on local conditions and take into account fuel moisture, fuel loads, grassland curing, weather and rainfall.

CFA District 2 Operations Manager James Dullard said lower winter rainfall in the region has made the grass and bush dry.

"These spring rains do little to change the dryness in the forest," he said.

"Any rainfall we do experience in spring will produce growth, which could very easily become a high fuel load throughout the summer season if not properly managed.

"Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that the next three months will be drier and warmer than average."

The Season Bushfire Outlook released in August said there was risk a warm and dry outlook created more risk for ash forests in the central highlands.

Mr Dullard said there was still time for residents to clean up their properties and reduce fuel loads to reduce the risk of fire.

"Reducing fuel loads will ensure that if a fire does break out, it has less chance of taking hold or spreading," he said.

"While the CFA and its partner agencies Parks Victoria, Forest Fire Management, and Emergency Management Victoria are doing everything we can to prepare for the bushfire season, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires."

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The CFA has been forced to attended a number of out-of-control burn offs in the past weeks.

Mr Dullard said if planning to host a burn-off, people should register it with the CFA.

"So far this year, out-of-control burn-offs and unregistered burn-offs have already caused unnecessary call-outs to for brigades," he said.

"You should not burn off when winds are high or high winds are forecast - not only on the day of your burn but for the days afterwards.

"For information about burn-off restrictions specific to your area, consult your local council."

To register a burn-off call 1800 668 511. For more details on Fire Danger Period visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can

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