The start date for this year’s Victorian fire season has been set by fire authorities, following a hotter and drier start to spring and warmer conditions ahead.
CFA declared the first Fire Danger Period (FDP) for the 2023-24 fire season, commencing on Monday, 9 October for the Wellington and East Gippsland Shire Councils.
The predicted El Niño weather pattern means Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer than recent years, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a bushfire survival plan.
CFA will be introducing further FDPs for Victorian municipalities in the coming months, based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the FDP declaration is earlier this year which is an indication of what we can expect for the summer ahead.
“While crews are ready to respond and support communities this bushfire season, fire safety is a shared responsibility and we ask Victorians to prepare and know their local risks,” he said.
“We are asking anyone burning off in the next two weeks before the official FDP begins to be very careful.
“Take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up your property, prepare your bushfire plan with your family and download the VicEmergency app.”
CFA deputy chief officer South East Trevor Owen said they’re really conscious of the increasing dry conditions in Wellington and East Gippsland Shires as a result of reduced rainfall during winter and spring.
With increased day and night temperatures and lower than average rainfall forecast over coming months, the timing for the early introduction of the Fire Danger Period is necessary.
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria at firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.
No burning off is permitted during the FDP 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
-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 about FDPs is available online at cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod
To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
