Starting dates for this year's fire danger period (FDP) have been announced for three central Victorian council areas.
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From December 19, restrictions will be in place for the City of Greater Bendigo and Central Goldfields shires, while Mount Alexander Shire's will begin on December 28.
Rules already apply across parts of Victoria and CFA will be introducing further FDPs for municipalities in the coming weeks based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.
CFA District 2 acting assistant chief fire officer Mick Hembrow said widespread rainfall in winter and spring has led to high grass fuel loads and the region could experience significant grassfires during this fire season.
"This year with the unseasonal weather conditions and with the approaching holiday season, we have decided to give the community as much notice as possible of the introduction of the fire danger period," he said.
"While municipalities and government agencies will be working to have fire prevention slashing works completed, we ask the community to also prepare their properties, reduce fuel loads and have their bushfire plan discussed and prepared within their family.
"This year in particular, we ask everyone to be aware of changes to the fire danger rating system, the new signs that are being installed and what action to take for each rating level.
"Above all, understand your individual fire risk, and prepare and plan accordingly."
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for summer identified potential for increased grassfire conditions for the 2022/23 fire season, due to significant grass growth and delayed harvest activities.
Based on the latest outlook, the fire season is expected to be normal in Victoria, except for parts of central, north east and eastern Victoria where the potential is below normal.
OTHER STORIES:
While CFA firefighters are preparing for the bushfire season, they are urging the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.
Residents in the affected municipalities should take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to conduct safe private burn-offs to reduce fuel loads and clean up their property.
More information and restrictions are published at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-danger-period-restrictions
Victorians can find out "Can I or Can't I?" information at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Fire Danger Period information:
- 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. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au
- Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. Barbeques 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/warnings-restrictions/can
- The use of an incinerator is restricted in most urban areas, however 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/plan-prepare/farms - 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/warnings-restrictions/can
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Alex Gretgrix
Journalist based in Bendigo, Victoria, covering health and a few local shires at the Bendigo Advertiser. Contact via alex.gretgrix@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Journalist based in Bendigo, Victoria, covering health and a few local shires at the Bendigo Advertiser. Contact via alex.gretgrix@austcommunitymedia.com.au
