The region affected by the first FDP will be the Wellington and East Gippsland shire councils, with more FDPs for other Victorian areas to be declared in the coming months.
The predicted El Niño weather pattern means Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer than in recent years, with the CFA and other fire services urging communities to begin preparing their properties and creating a bushfire survival plan.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the FDP declaration was earlier this year, which was an indication of what we could expect for the summer ahead.
“While crews are ready to respond and support communities this bushfire season, fire safety is a shared responsibility, and we ask Victorians to prepare and know their local risks,” he said.
“We are asking anyone burning off in the next two weeks before the official FDP begins to be very careful. Take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up your property, prepare your bushfire plan with your family and download the VicEmergency app.”
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au) or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
The CFA is reminding Victorians that no burning off is permitted during an FDP without a permit to burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
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
• 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 www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod
• To find out what you can and can’t do during an FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or call VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
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