The 2021-22 fire danger period will come to an end in District 22 at 1am on Monday, March 28, but the CFA has urged everyone to remain alert.
Residents and landowners in the City of Greater Shepparton and Moira and Strathbogie shires are urged to be aware of potential fire risks.
“There is still plenty of growth throughout District 22, and there’ll be some planned burns over the next few weeks,” District 22 assistant chief fire officer Tony Owen said.
‘’We encourage people to check plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au if they see smoke.”
Higher rainfall totals meant there were lower than average fire conditions across the district, according to the latest Australian seasonal outlook.
As a result, there was reduced fire activity in grasslands and forests this summer.
Mr Owen said the majority of fires the CFA responded to were grass fires.
He said everyone still needed to stay aware.
“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.”
Landowners are able to register for burn-offs now the fire danger period has passed.
“You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” Mr Owen said.
“Registering your burn-off ensures that if somebody reports smoke, the incident will be cross-checked with the burn-off register, which will then prevent volunteer firefighters being taken away from workplaces, families and potentially genuine emergencies.
“When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.”
To register a burn-off, visit www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or you can register with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au