While the CFA’s 52,000 members are well equipped to support communities, it’s important for the community to understand that fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and the public.
CFA District 12 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Stephen Keating said Mitchell Shire had experienced a significant lack of rainfall over the past eight months and the community should be aware of the risks.
“With the onset of the warmer weather and the seasonal grass beginning to dry out, fires are now igniting and developing with ease,” Mr Keating said.
“CFA needs communities to ensure they have prepared properties and a fire plan.
“If you live in peri-urban area, especially if you are close to farms and grassland, ensure your property is ready for summer.”
CFA District 14 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Eagle said now was the time for residents to finish cleaning up their properties, through the clearing of gutters and vegetation, and pruning trees and cutting grass.
“Although we’ve had good grass growth during winter, we’ve had very little rain recently, and both temperatures and wind speed has increased, which has made conditions much drier,” Mr Eagle said.
“Private escaped burn-offs have become more frequent over the last two weeks, which have been burning into adjoining paddocks.
“Residents are reminded to only burn green waste and to check council by-laws before burning off.”
Fire danger period information:
- A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au. It can also be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office.
- Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can/
- Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms/
- More information about FDPs is available at cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod/
To find out what you can and can’t do during a FDP, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can or call VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
