Shire and city to enter Fire Danger Period

Fire Danger Periods are when the Country Fire Authority (CFA) implements certain restrictions to prevent fires from starting.

When they are declared can vary depending how dry an area is, and to what degree planned burns and preventative measures have been able to take place before the fire season.

Surf Coast fire commander Wayne Aylmer said it was a fairly normal time for a Fire Danger Period to be called.

“It’s generally between late November to Christmas time, so it’s within the standard timeline.”

Mr Aylmer said the CFA aimed to give some notice before Fire Danger Periods are called.

“We look at giving people the opportunity to clean their properties up. So, we try not to go too early. That gives people a bit of time to come down and clean up, particularly with a whole lot of holiday properties that are around.”

In the worst fire seasons, Fire Danger Periods have lasted as long as until May.

The restrictions in these periods are different to thse of Total Fire Ban Days, which can still occur during Fire Danger Periods.

While no open air fires are allowed on Total Fire Ban Days, people can still light them during Fire Danger Periods if they have a permit or comply with certain requirements.

For full details on the restriction in this period or to request a permit, head to cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can.