Fire Danger Period ends

THE FIRE Danger Period (FDP) officially finished in four Western Victorian municipalities this week, including Moorabool Shire.

As of 1.00am on Monday 22 April, the FDP was declared over by the CFA in Moorabool Shire, Hepburn Shire, Golden Plains Shire, and the City of Ballarat.

While the FDP restrictions have come to an end, the CFA have warned that grassfire risk remains across the region, and is urging residents in the four municipalities to remain vigilant and prepared.

“Parts of the district do remain dry and anyone who lights a fire needs to do so responsibly and ensure that it does not endanger lives or property,” CFA District 15’s Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Wayne Rigg, said.

“We’re urging everyone to stay safe, whether you’re living in or travelling to high bushfire risk areas.

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

While the end of the FDP in the region provides an opportunity for some landowners to burn off, it’s vital that anyone wishing to do so make sure local conditions are safe beforehand.

“You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Rigg said.

“Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is crosschecked 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 by calling 1800 668 511.

It’s also a good idea to notify neighbours before a burn-off, to avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services and allow those sensitive to smoke to take precautions.

Remember – never leave a burn-off unattended, and if it gets out of control, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.