The CFA declares the Fire Danger Period at the onset of warmer weather to help prevent fires from starting as dry vegetation and hot weather increase the incidence of fires accidentally starting and spreading.
This year’s Fire Danger Period will commence on Monday 14 December 2020 and will go until Saturday 1 May 2021 (unless extended or shortened).
When fire restrictions are in force, burning off is prohibited without a permit, including on roadsides.
If a Total Fire Ban day is declared, the lighting of fires or solid fuel heaters and barbecues is illegal.
The Fire Danger Rating and Total Fire Ban status for your area is available at cfa.vic.gov.au or by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
It is the responsibility of all residents to ensure they are aware of and comply with fire restriction conditions.
Lighting of fires during the Declared Fire Danger Period should be reported to Victoria Police by calling triple 000 – the Shire cannot enforce open air burning during this time.
When the risk of bushfire is high, CFA will be on full alert, however it isn’t possible to give personal warnings to every home or person.
We advise to:
- listen to ABC 774 AM radio
- keep in contact with your neighbours
- if you are travelling, let people know where you are and where you are going.
- prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan in advance
- contact the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 for general advice
- check emergency.vic.gov.au for current warnings
- keep a look out for smoke.
- call 000 in an emergency situation.
