THE Fire Danger Period for City of Greater Geelong, the Borough of Queenscliffe, Golden Plains Shire and the Surf Coast Shire is now in effect with a drier and hotter bushfire season expected to hit the state over the coming months.<\/p>\n
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) began enforcing the Fire Danger period at 1.00am on Monday, November 20 for District 7.<\/p>\n
CFA deputy chief officer South West Adrian Gutsche said the Fire Danger Period was being introduced due to the drying conditions in the forest areas of South West Region.<\/p>\n
“This includes all the areas associated with District 4, 5, 6 and 7,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Communities may still see some green conditions across grassed areas however the underlying grass conditions are conducive to carrying fire.<\/p>\n
“With the dryness of the forest, there is the risk that if fires start they will take hold in forested areas hence the implementation of the Fire Danger Period.”<\/p>\n
An El Nino weather pattern was announced by the Bureau of Meteorology in late-September warning communities of a warmer and drier summer than in recent years.<\/p>\n
The CFA’s 52,000 members have been conducting their bushfire response preparations for the past two months and will aim to support communities this bushfire season.<\/p>\n
However, Mr Gutsche is urging residents and visitors to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.<\/p>\n
The CFA provided the below details for the current Fire Danger Period:<\/p>\n
A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au. It can also be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office.<\/p>\n
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, visit cfa.vic.gov.au\/can.<\/p>\n
Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au\/farms.<\/p>\n
More information about FDPs is available online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au\/firedangerperiod<\/p>\n
To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit cfa.vic.gov.au\/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.<\/p>\n
Residents conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Fire Danger Period for City of Greater Geelong, the Borough of Queenscliffe, Golden Plains Shire and the Surf Coast Shire is now in effect with a drier and hotter bushfire season expected to hit the state over the coming months. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) began enforcing the Fire Danger period at 1.00am on […]<\/p>\n