Fire Danger Period begins

For Benalla Rural City, Mansfield Shire and Wangaratta Rural City, the FDP will start at 1am on Monday, November 18.

In the CFA’s North West region, the FDP started on Monday, November 4, for Gannawarra Shire, Loddon Shire and Campaspe Shire.

CFA District 22 assistant chief fire officer Tony Owen said now was the time for residents to be aware of the conditions around them.

“While we’ve had a lot of recent rain, it has been fluctuating and soil conditions in the north-east are still dry and a lot higher than previous years,” Mr Owen said.

“There is a great deal of fuel out there and we’re predicting a summer of grassfires.

“We’re asking people to keep an eye out on the VicEmergency App and CFA website, to be aware of the fire danger ratings and to know what their plan is should a fire event arise.

“If you can take the time this week to finalise preparing your properties, we strongly suggest you do so, whether that is reducing vegetation around your property or clearing your gutters.”

After a drier-than-average autumn and winter, Victoria’s west and south-west are facing an increased fire risk leading into summer, with substantial amounts of dead and dry plant material in forests making it easier for fires to ignite and spread.

Across the rest of the state, a warmer-than-average spring with an uncertain rainfall outlook is expected.

While the fire risk in these areas is considered normal, the CFA said it was crucial not to be complacent; fires can still occur anytime and anywhere when temperatures rise, and vegetation dries out.

CFA’s 52,000 members are poised to respond and support communities this bushfire season, and are urging people to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.

Fire Danger Period information

It can also be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office.

There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.