THE Fire Danger Period has now officially begun with the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for southern Australia suggesting the fire season in Victoria will start earlier than usual and be more active than normal due to warmer and drier conditions.
CFA District 22 operations manager, Tony Owen said, “Indeed, parts of Victoria have already experienced grass and bushfires and when the Fire Danger Period was introduced in parts of Gippsland on September 10, it was the earliest date on record.
“Low winter rainfall across the north east means the grass and bush are dry and the fire potential is further increased by Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that the next three months will be drier and warmer than average.
“Any rainfall we do experience in spring will produce growth, which could very easily become a high fuel load throughout the summer season if not properly managed.
“Reducing fuel loads will ensure that if a fire does break out, it has less chance of taking hold or spreading.
“While CFA and its partner agencies Parks Victoria, Forest Fire Management, DELWP and Emergency Management Victoria are doing everything we can to prepare for the bushfire season, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.
“People need to be aware that if using fire to clean up around their properties they need to register these on 1800 668 511. So far this year, out-of-control burn-offs and unregistered burn-offs have already caused unnecessary call-outs for brigades. Some of these have resulted in prosecutions.
“You should not burn off when winds are high or high winds are forecast – not only on the day of your burn but for the days afterwards.
“For information about burn-off restrictions specific to your area, consult your local council.
“Expect any fire you start to be fully investigated by CFA and Victoria Police.”
More information can be found at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/restrictions-during-the-fire-danger-period/
