Fire danger period ending

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) has officially ended in six municipalities in CFA’s West Region, including Moorabool Shire.

At 1 am on Monday 17 April, the Fire Danger Period finished in Moorabool Shire, Ararat Rural City, the City of Ballarat, Hepburn Shire, Northern Grampians Shire, and Pyrenees Shire.

Though restrictions are being eased in these areas, CFA says it still expects grassfire risk to remain across the state in the coming months – so the lowering of restrictions don’t mean Victorians shouldn’t remain alert and prepared.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer Brett Boatman said there is still dry vegetation in the area, which may see fires spread quickly.

“If fires are not contained and completely extinguished, there still remains a level of risk. We’re urging everyone to stay safe, whether you’re living in or travelling to high bushfire risk areas,” he said.

“Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk.”

The end of the FDP is an opportunity for some landowners to burn-off again, but it’s vital that they make sure local conditions are safe beforehand and register any burn-offs with CFA.

Mr Boatman said landowners need to remain vigilant and ensure they follow safe practices when burning off, as well as registering their burn-offs, checking weather conditions and following local council laws and regulations.

“Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is cross-checked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding. When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.”

Landowners can register their burn-off online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, or call 1800 668 511.

If possible, landowners should also notify their neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precautions.

Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on www.epa.vic.gov.au under the title ‘Smoke and your health’.

Keep your burn off safe and legal:
• Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
• Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind.
• To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand.
• Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
• Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.
• Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration.
• If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately.