THIS year’s Victorian fire season is set to officially begin with fire restrictions commencing in parts of the state in the next fortnight, which means permits must be obtained after this time for burning off.
CFA has declared the first Fire Danger Period (FDP) for the 2025-26 fire season, commencing at 1am on Monday, October 27 for the following municipalities in the northwest and southeast of the state:
• Mildura Rural City Council
• Baw Baw Shire Council
• South Gippsland Shire Council
• Wellington Shire Council
• East Gippsland Shire Council
• Latrobe City Shire Council
Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer and communities should be preparing their properties and creating a Bushfire Plan, according to the CFA.
CFA will be introducing further FDPs for Victorian municipalities in the coming weeks and months based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said with most of Victoria experiencing low rainfall there is an increase in fuel, such as dead plant material and vegetation, which has the potential to support significant bushfire potential.
“We need Victorians to play their part and ensure their properties are ready and they have a plan in place,” he said.
“It is going to be a challenging fire season and with the commencement of fire danger periods, it is a good reminder to ensure those last bits of preparation get done.”
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling 1800 668 511.
By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.
No burning off is permitted during the 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 online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod
To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
