FIRE Danger Period is now in force across Greater Shepparton, Moira and Strathbogie districts. During this period fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit.
CFA will issue permits in certain situations during the Fire Danger Period, mostly for critical industry, agriculture, and other essential purposes. The decision whether to grant a permit is based on local conditions and considers fuel moisture, fuel loads, grassland curing, weather, and rainfall.
Taking into account the current conditions in the district, CFA are still considering the issuing of permits at this stage up to December 13. If you are issued a permit there are strict conditions attached, and liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely. In particular, CFA want permit holders to take care in windy conditions.
“Please read the conditions of your permit carefully and note any stipulations in relation to wind. You should never burn off when winds are high or high winds are forecast – not only on the day of your burn but for the days afterwards,” acting assistant chief fire officer (AACFO) Rohan Taylor said.
“We would also like to remind people that materials from burn offs may smoulder for weeks after the initial burn.”
CFA asks people to revisit sites previous burn-offs and that they dig to investigate smouldering activity. Only materials that are ‘cool to touch’ are ‘safe to leave’. Large logs and stumps should not be lit until restrictions are lifted in autumn.
Above average rainfall has caused significant grass growth, increasing the risk of fast-moving grassfires. Residents are encouraged to remove grass and leaf litter around homes and sheds, and to store wood and other combustibles away from buildings.
Visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions or call VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 for more info. To learn more or to apply for a permit go to www.firepermits.vic.gov.au
