The Fire Danger Period will begin at 01.00am on Monday, 14 December 2020 for the following municipalities in District 14 in CFA’s North West Region:
- City of Melton
- City of Wyndham
- City of Whittlesea
- City of Hume
- City of Banyule Shire of Nillumbik
The latest Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Victoria, released on 26 November, identified due to significant grass growth, 2020/21 has the potential to be more of a grassfire-dominated season.
It indicates that Victoria is likely to experience a less severe bushfire season this summer compared to last summer – particularly in the east of the state.
The outlook is due to average to above average rainfall during spring, combined with an outlook of above average rainfall for much of Victoria from December to February, particularly across the northern parts and mountain regions, due to the influence of La Niña.
Considering the outlook and current conditions, the fire season has the potential to be a grassfire-dominated season, with shorter-duration fires in grass and dry forests during hotter and windier days.
Potential for above-normal grassfire activity has been flagged for north-east border areas in December, due to the heavy grass and crop fuels prior to harvest.
Some Victorian forests may remain damp enough to experience average to below-average fire activity.
CFA reminds Victorians not to be complacent as an average fire season in this state can still be a bad one.
CFA District 14 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer (A/ACFO) Paul Elso said average to above average winter rainfall across the District 14, together with sunny spring days and periodic rain events, has provided perfect conditions for prolific grass growth.
“This growth will become a high fuel load throughout the summer season if not properly managed,” he said.
“The recent run of hot days has begun significantly drying the bush and curing the grassland. The fire potential is only going to increase with the warmer weather over the next three months.
“Reducing fuel loads will ensure if a fire does break out, it has less chance of taking hold or spreading.”
A/ACFO Elso said it is also time for landowners and managers to ensure that their equipment is summer ready ensuring they meet the requirements for operation during the Fire Danger Period.
“While CFA and our partner agencies Fire Rescue Victoria and Forest Fire 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,” he said.
He said people need to be aware that if using fire to clean up around their properties they need to register these on 1800 668 511.
“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,” he said.
