Fire restrictions will be lifted unseasonably early across the South East thanks to higher than usual rainfall.
According to the latest Australian Seasonal Outlook, higher rainfall totals have resulted in below average fire conditions, with reduced fire activity in both grasslands and forests this summer.
Much of Victoria will continue to experience average rainfall over the coming months, however temperatures are predicted to be warmer than normal, particularly in the western parts of the
state.
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1.00am on Monday 28 March in Cardinia Shire Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Bass Coast Shire Council, Casey City Council, Frankston City Council, Greater Dandenong City Council (those portions not included in the area formerly known as the Metropolitan Fire District as at 30 June 2020), French Island, Kingston City Council (those portions not included in the area formerly known as the Metropolitan Fire District as at 30 June 2020), Baw Baw Shire Council, South Gippsland Shire Council, Wellington Shire Council and Latrobe City Council.
CFA deputy chief officer, South East Region Trevor Owen said the grass and bush vegetation across CFA South East Region, particularly through Gippsland, has been assessed as safe to
relax fire restrictions earlier than normal.
“I encourage landholders to take advantage of the current wetter than average conditions and, where safe to do so, reduce the vegetation risk prior to next summer” he said.
Mr Owen emphasised that while the FDP is coming to an end in some areas, it is still important to remain vigilant.
“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.”
While the Fire Danger Period will come to an end, it is still important that residents check the local conditions are safe for any burn-off they were considering undertaking.
“You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” DCO 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.”
Landowners can now register their burn-off online at firepermits.vic.gov.au.
Alternatively, you can register with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au
When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.
Keep your burn off safe and legal by checking fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at firepermits.vic.gov.au, checking and monitoring weather conditions – particularly wind, avoiding unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand, leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn, have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading, never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration and if your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately.
