Fire restrictions to begin in Bass Coast

THE Fire Danger Period (FDP) for Bass Coast and French Island will be in force from Monday, January 30, 2023.

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.

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 8 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer John Francis said while rainfall over recent months saturated grassland and forests, wind conditions has dried these fuels out considerably.

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

“Do not become complacent this fire season – now is the time to begin preparing your property by clearing gutters, pruning, cutting back overhanging trees.”

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 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, you should notify authorities of the burn-off at the Fire Permits Victoria website at 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.

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.

Victorians can find out “Can I or Can’t I?” information at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

As of September 1, 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, to four; Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic.

Victorians can learn more about the new fire danger rating system on the CFA website.

Fire Danger Period information:

• A written permit is required to burn off 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. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au.

• Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces

• The use of an incinerator, chainsaw/lawn mower, welding/grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/heat engine are permitted provided conditions are followed.

• Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/farms – this information is important especially for new farmers, bush block owners or hobby farmers.

• A Total Fire Ban declaration means no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day. This applies irrespective of the Fire Restriction status for a given municipality. Further details at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can/