The CFA has announced the Yarra Ranges fire danger period (FDP) will come into effect on Monday 30 January at 1am.
This FDP includes the following municipalities in CFA’s North East Region:
Yarra Ranges Council (Those portions not included in the area formerly known as the Metropolitan Fire District as at 30 June 2020)
Knox City Council (Those portions not included in the area formerly known as the Metropolitan Fire District as at 30 June 2020)
Manningham Council (Those portions not included in the area formerly known as the Metropolitan Fire District as at 30 June 2020)
Maroondah Council (Those portions not included in the area formerly known as the Metropolitan Fire District as at 30 June 2020)
FDP restrictions already apply across parts of Victoria and CFA will be introducing further FDPs for municipalities in the coming weeks based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.
The return of a La Niña weather pattern has led to widespread rainfall and flooding in parts of the state, however, that doesn’t mean communities can become complacent about the increasing fire risk this season.
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for summer identified potential for increased grassfire conditions for the 2022/23 fire season, due to significant grass growth and delayed harvest activities.
Based on the latest outlook, the fire season is expected to be normal in Victoria, except for parts of central, north east and eastern Victoria where the potential is below normal.
CFA District 13 Assistant Chief Fire Officer David Renkin said conditions across the District has seen the drying of grassland and forest fuels in recent weeks, which increases the risk of fires.
“Widespread rainfall in winter and spring has led to high fuel loads across the District and we are already seeing significant grassfires to start the fire season across different areas of the state,” he said.
“Local conditions will continue to dry out over the coming weeks with the easing of the La Nina weather pattern and indicators are showing a reduction in rainfall events over the next few months.
“Community members should be preparing their properties for the risk of fires and ensuring they have a plan in place in case of fire.”
While CFA firefighters are preparing for the bushfire season, they are urging the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.
Residents in these areas should take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to conduct safe private burn-offs to reduce fuel loads and clean up their property.
If you are using fire to clean up your property ahead of the FDP, you should notify authorities of the burn-off at the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511. No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.
Monitor weather conditions and do not burn-off during days of high winds. More information about burn-off restrictions specific to your area can be found by consulting your local council.
More information and restrictions are published at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-danger-period-restrictions.
Victorians can find out “Can I or Can’t I?” information at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
As of 1 September, the fire danger rating system changed and is now nationally consistent across every state and territory.
The system reduces the number of danger levels from six in the previous system, to four; Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic.
Victorians can learn more about the new fire danger rating system on the CFA website.
