The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin at 01.00am on Monday 28 October 2019 in the following municipalities in CFA’s North East Region:
- Greater Shepparton City Council (District 22)
- Moira Shire Council (District 22)
- Strathbogie Shire Council (District 22)
- Benalla Rural City Council (District 23)
- Mansfield Shire Council (District 23)
- Wangaratta Rural City Council (District 23)
- Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Resort Management Board (District 23)
The Fire Danger period will end in all six municipalities and the resort management board area on 1 May, 2020, unless otherwise stated.
CFA District 22 operations manager, Tony Owen said low winter rainfall across the Goulburn means the grass and bush are dry. “The fire potential is further increased by Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that the next three months will be drier and warmer than average,” he said.
“What little rain we have had has given good grass growth on roadsides and unmanaged areas, so we have good fuels in place with the potential of a busy grass fire season, couple that with very dry bush areas and we are looking at a very busy and hazardous fire season for firefighters and our emergency management partners,” Mr Owen said.
“For information about burn-off restrictions specific to your area, consult your local council.”
District 23 operations commander and fire investigator, Trevor Ebbels said that once the FDP comes into effect, CFA has a zero-tolerance approach to any fires that have started from negligent behaviour. “Expect any fire you start to be fully investigated by CFA and Victoria Police,” he said.
Fire Danger Period information and restrictions are published at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/restrictions-during-the-fire-danger-period.
