CFA District 23 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Contessa said now was the time for residents to prepare their properties for fire season.
“While we’ve had some recent rain, we are concerned that this has caused significant growth in surrounding vegetation,” Mr Contessa said.
“The warmer weather and windy days will see this quickly dry out, significantly increasing the risk of fire to communities across the north-east.”
District 24 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brett Myers said there was a great deal of fuel out there and the CFA was 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,” Mr Myers said
“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.”
Across the rest of the state, a warmer-than-average spring with an uncertain rainfall outlook is expected.
The fire danger period will start at the same time for the following municipalities in the CFA’s North East region: Wangaratta Rural City Council, Mansfield Shire Council, Alpine Resort Mount Buller, Indigo Shire Council, Alpine Shire Council, Towong Shire Council, Wodonga City Council, Alpine Resorts Victoria (Falls Creek and Mt Hotham).
Landowners in the north-east of the state are requested by the CFA to conduct safe private burn-offs where possible before the start of the fire danger period.
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling Triple Zero Victoria on 1800 668 511.
No burning off is permitted during the fire danger period without a permit to burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
Fire danger period information
• A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au. It can also be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office.
• Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can
• Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms.
• More information is available online at cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod.
• To find out what you can and can’t do during a fire danger period, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
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