Fire season to officially begin in a fortnight

FIRE season for the coming summer will officially begin in parts of Victoria’s south-west in less than a fortnight, with the CFA to declare the start of the Fire Danger Period (FDP).

As of 1am on Monday, November 24, the FDP will apply to the entire municipalities of the Borough of Queenscliffe, the City of Greater Geelong, the Golden Plains Shire and the Surf Coast Shire.

Residents in these areas are encouraged to prepare their properties ahead of the FDP coming into effect.

CFA Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer for District 7 Wayne Aylmer said now was the time to get out there and do the work around your home to help safeguard your family this fire season.

“The spring rainfall has been a welcome relief, however it will help grass grow.

“As we start to get warmer weather with strong winds, the grass will dry out and the risk of grassfires in our local area will increase.

“We’re really encouraging residents to take the opportunity to clean up their dry leaves and woodpiles, clear out their gutters, remove other flammable materials and keep grass cut short.

“By acting early, we can all play a part in reducing the risk of fire this season.”

Those needing to burn-off around their properties are reminded to check weather conditions are suitable before lighting up.

“We have already responded to a number of escaped burn-offs this spring, so please ensure you have enough water and resources on hand to extinguish it safely,” Mr Aylmer said

“There are concerns about the dryness within nearby bushland areas, particularly more so than previous years, and grassfires that ignite will travel quickly in the forecasted conditions.”

Muncipalities are already taking steps ahead of the FDP, with City of Greater Geelong officers to start fire prevention inspections of properties in coming weeks until early 2026.

Under the Country Fire Authority Act and the Fire Rescue Act, local government authorities have a duty to protect life and property from the risk of fire, while all property owners have a responsibility to keep their properties free of fire hazards.

Property owners should ensure that all grass, weeds and other undergrowth on their properties are cut and maintained to a height less than 100mm (four inches) throughout the declared FDP.

Properties need to be free of dead branches, piles of garden waste, timber, cardboard and other combustible materials.

Owners of rural properties that are not used for cropping or livestock grazing, must establish a continuous firebreak around the entire perimeter, with a minimum width of 6m.

Houses, sheds, machinery and other equipment on these properties are to be kept free of long grass and other potential hazards.

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by phoning 1800 668 511.

By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.

During the FDP, lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, head to cfa.vic.gov.au/can

Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms

For more information about FDPs, head to cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod

To find out what you can and cannot do during the FDP, head to cfa.vic.gov.au/can or phone the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.