Fire Danger Period now in effect across Victoria

December 12, 2018 BY James Taylor

Despite the Fire Danger Period declaration, there have already been burn-offs that have got out of control, such as this one covered by the Dromana Fire Brigade.

THE entire state of Victoria is now under fire restrictions, with the final four municipalities entering the Fire Danger Period (FDP) on Monday.

Glenelg Shire, Moyne Shire, Southern Grampians Shire and Warrnambool City are now in the FDP, which means fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from CFA or a Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

In an unusual start to the bushfire season, Gippsland experienced bushfires as early as August, and fire restrictions were introduced in the municipalities of Wellington and East Gippsland on September 10 – the earliest date on record.

CFA chief officer Steve Warrington warned Victorians not to be complacent despite recent rainfall across much of the state.

“Some areas of the state, particularly in Gippsland, are extremely dry and will need many weeks of above-average rain before droughtstressed plants start to recover.

“While the recent rain has made fuel less flammable in the short term, the current weather outlook indicates a return to dry conditions and elevated fire risk.

“This season still has the potential to be in line with Victoria’s driest fire seasons.”

He said the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest outlook, released last week, shows most of Australia is likely to see a hotter than normal summer period, while Western Australia, Queensland and the Top End of the Northern Territory look set to be drier than average.

In Victoria, which has experienced one of the top 10 driest springs since records began in 1900, many parts are still extremely dry despite recent rain.

“While CFA and its partner agencies Parks Victoria, Forest Fire Management, DELWP and Emergency 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,” Mr Warrington said.

He said once fire restrictions were in force, any fires started from negligent behaviour would be investigated by CFA and Victoria Police.

Victorians can find out “Can I or Can’t I?” information online at cfa.vic.gov.au/warningsrestrictions/can or by phoning VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

All burn-offs should be registered with the VicFire Burn-off notification line on 1800 668 511.