FIRE restrictions will lift on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 throughout the South Gippsland Shire and across its municipal neighbours, Bass Coast and Baw Baw.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) announced on Friday March 31 that the official Fire Danger Period (FDP) for 2022/23 will finish at 1 am on April 11 in CFA’s District 9, of which South Gippsland Shire is a part.
While restrictions are lifting in these areas, the CFA still expects the grassfire risk to remain across the state in the coming months, so Victorians need to remain alert and prepared.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer South East Trevor Owen said recent light rain combined with cooler weather and shorter days has decreased the fire risk across the area.
“While restrictions are due to end, we’re still urging everyone to stay safe, whether you’re living in or travelling to high bushfire risk areas,” he said.
“Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk.”
The end of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will be an opportunity for some landowners to burn off again, however it’s important that residents check that local conditions are safe before undertaking these activities.
“You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” Mr Owen said.
“Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is cross-checked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding.”
“When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire”.
Landowners can register their burn-off online at www.fire permits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.
If possible, landowners should also notify their neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precautions.
Keep burn-offs safe and legal
- Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at www.fire permits.vic.gov.au.
- Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind.
- To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand.
- Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
- Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.
- Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration.
- If your burn-off gets out of control, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on the EPA website at www.epa.vic.gov.au
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