Fire bans announced

CARDINIA, Casey and Dandenong have entered the Fire Danger Period.
CFA Southern Metropolitan Regional Director Peter Schmidt said he hoped the community would do the right thing for the sake of their family, friends and neighbours.
The CFA declared the FDP active from 1am on Monday which means fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from CFA or council.
Fire Danger Periods are based on local conditions and take into account fuel moisture, fuel loads, grassland curing, weather and rainfall.
“Fire restrictions are in place for a very good reason – to prevent fires from starting. Preventing fires is something that every member of the community should see as their responsibility,” he said.“We are one of the most fire-prone regions in the world and it only takes two weeks of hot, dry and windy weather to create dangerous fire conditions.”
Mr Schmidt said that living in a grassland area with dried-out (brown or golden-coloured) grass that was over 10cm high was a significant risk to people, dwellings and infrastructure.
“Grassfires should not be underestimated; they travel faster than you can run and can kill,” he said.
“It’s not too late to protect your home and property by slashing, mowing, grazing, and spraying grass. But while preparing your property is a good place to start, it’s just as important to prepare yourself and your family for fire.”
Mr Schmidt said it was important to talk with the people you lived with to organise a fire plan.“Remember that if you can see smoke, you’re leaving it too late. A fire that is miles away could be at your door in minutes.”
To find out more visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au