By Lachlan Ellis<\/p>\n
Moorabool Shire is officially in the Fire Danger Period (FDP), and emergency services are warning that there will be no excuses for unpermitted burn-offs.<\/p>\n
The \u2018Zero Tolerance\u2019 strategy is a joint initiative by Victoria Police, the Pentland Group of Fire Brigades, and Moorabool Shire Council \u2013 and with FDPs already being announced across Victoria, the strategy is back in action.<\/p>\n
The Zero Tolerance strategy means it is a criminal offence to start a fire, whether intentionally or unintentionally.<\/p>\n
During the Fire Danger Period, fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from CFA or a Municipal Fire Prevention Officer. FDPs are based on local conditions, and take into account fuel moisture, fuel loads, grassland curing, weather, and rainfall.<\/p>\n
Bacchus Marsh Brigade firefighter Chantelle Dawes said fines would be issued to those doing the wrong thing during the FDP.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Zero Tolerance strategy was first implemented during the 2005\/06 bushfire season. During the Zero Tolerance period, it will be illegal to start fires and undertake controlled burning, unless permits are issued,\u201d she told the Moorabool News.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the Fire Brigade responds to a deliberately or negligently lit fire during the Fire Danger Period, firefighters are obliged to call the police, who will issue a fine. There will be no warnings for offenders who light fires during the period, which can lead to prosecution.\u201d<\/p>\n
The declaration of El Nino and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) mean a particularly dangerous fire season is likely \u2013 as shown by \u201ca number of burn-offs getting out of control\u201d in November, Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade Captain Nick de Leur said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do also ask that if the Bacchus Marsh Brigade, or any other CFA brigade, attends your property to just remember \u2013 we are volunteers who give up our time to help the community.\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The CFA website contains information on \u201cCan I, Can\u2019t I\u201d which provides information on what you can\/cannot do during the fire danger period and total fire bans. For more information, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au\/warnings-restrictions.<\/p>\n
To learn more about the Fire Danger Period, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au\/firedangerperiod. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Lachlan Ellis Moorabool Shire is officially in the Fire Danger Period (FDP), and emergency services are warning that there will be no excuses for unpermitted burn-offs. The \u2018Zero Tolerance\u2019 strategy is a joint initiative by Victoria Police, the Pentland Group of Fire Brigades, and Moorabool Shire Council \u2013 and with FDPs already being announced […]<\/p>\n