Summer fire restrictions announced

There is potential for increased grass fire conditions due to significant grass growth and delayed harvest activities.

CFA District 12 assistant chief fire officer Rob van Dorsser said grass and fine fuels were starting to dry off very quickly, which meant grass fires could move faster.

“Widespread rainfall in winter and spring has led to high fuel loads across the region and we can expect to see significant grass fires to start the fire season,” he said.

FDP restrictions already apply across parts of Victoria.

The CFA will be introducing further FDPs for municipalities in the coming weeks based on local conditions, such as the amount of rain and grassland curing rate.

The CFA is urging common sense and individual responsibility for preventing fires and encourages residents to conduct safe, private burn-offs to reduce fuel loads and clean up their properties ahead of the FDP.

A permit is required to burn grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP.

This permit may be issued by the municipal fire prevention officer or the CFA district office.

Apply for a permit and register burn-offs at the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by phoning ESTA on 1800 668 511.

Restrictions are published at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/firedanger-period-restrictions