Country Fire Authority (CFA) has declared the Fire Danger Period for Yarra Ranges 2023-24 will begin at 1.00am on Monday, 18 December.
During the Fire Danger Period, no open-air burning will be allowed without a permit refer to CFA’s Can I or Can’t I webpage at cfa.vic.gov.au/can. for a full list of conditions
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Councillor Sophie Todorov, encouraged residents to continue clearing their properties of excess vegetation, which can quickly become fuel in a fire.
“The Fire Danger Period officially marks the start of the fire season in Yarra Ranges, but we know from recent events that the risk of fire doesn’t wait,” Cr Todorov said.
“Fallen tree debris, grass, twigs and excess vegetation can dry out and become very flammable in the event of a bush or grass fire, so it’s important to clear up what you can before the fire season begins properly.
“In particular, roof spouting and under and around decks should be kept clear all summer. Where possible, remove vegetation that connects the ground layer to the treetops, otherwise known as ladder fuels, as this increases fire intensity and the number of embers near your home.
“Check Council’s website for details about burning off in your area before the Fire Danger Period commences, and remember that burning off isn’t the only way you can prepare; use a fortnightly green waste bin or take excess green waste to waster recycling centre,” said Cr Todorov.
During the Fire Danger Period, permits for burning off will only be considered by Council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officer when there are extenuating circumstances, when there is no alternative or when the material is presenting a significant fire risk.
Recently, Council’s Fire Hazard Inspection Program has been operating with 469 inspections undertaken. This has resulted in 216 fire prevention notices being issued where property owners have a period of time to clean-up their property in readiness for the fire season.
“Our emergency services do a fantastic job of keeping the community safe right through the year, especially during the fire season, but we need to remember that managing bushfire risk is everyone’s responsibility,” Cr Todorov said.
“We need to do our bit by clearing our properties to reduce the risk of a grass or bushfire taking hold.
“If you’re thinking of burning off, always check the conditions and whether you can burn in your area, and don’t leave this until the last minute, because there are only a few days left before 18 December,” said Cr Todorov.
CFA’s Manager of Community Safety for the North East Region, Darren Viney, said the best way to defend your home is to prepare before restrictions begin in your area, including cleaning up gardens, gutters and removing flammable waste from your yard.
“Residents who wish to conduct burn-offs on their private properties need to follow some basic rules such as checking weather conditions, monitoring the wind, following Council local laws, and registering their burn-off,” Mr Viney said.
“Landowners conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
“While CFA’s 52,000 members are poised to respond and support communities this bushfire season, they’re urging people to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.
“By registering your burn-off before 18 December, any reports of smoke or fire will be crosschecked with the burn-off register to avoid unnecessary response of fire services. It’s also a good idea to notify your neighbours that they may see smoke.
“The more residents do to clean up their properties now, the more it will help the community should there be fires in their local area.”
