DESPITE some heavy rain in recent weeks and the abundance of water sitting around Greater Shepparton, the Northern Country, Northeast, and North Central Fire Weather Districts are reminded that the Fire Danger Period is still in force.
The CFA declares Fire Danger Periods by municipality during periods of increased fire risk. This means that there are restrictions and requirements around activities in the open air that have the potential to result in an out-of-control fire such as:
Driving vehicles through dry vegetation,
Using gas-powered wildlife scare guns,
Welding, grinding, and soldering,
Using chainsaws, lawn mowers and farm machinery.
There is zero tolerance for unregistered burn-offs, and heavy penalties apply for anyone caught burning off.
“We have recently had several of our volunteer Brigades called out to attend burn-offs where no permit had been issued. Despite recent wet conditions, there is still potential for fires to burn out of control. It only takes a couple of hot days for grasslands to dry out and people are reminded of the ongoing risk of grassfires during this period,” said regional commander, Rob Van Dorsser.
Residents and businesses wanting to use fire or heat sources can visit the Fire Permits Victoria website https://firepermits.vic.gov.au/ to check if they need a fire permit, apply for a permit, notify authorities that they are using a permit. Alternatively, call 1800 668 511.
To ensure you understand what you can and can’t do during the Fire Danger Period and on days of Total Fire Ban, visit: cfa.vic.gov.au/can
