Fire danger period has begun in Mitchell Shire

While the CFA’s 52,000 members are well equipped to support communities, it is important for the community to understand that fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and the public.

CFA District 12 assistant chief fire officer Stephen Keating said Mitchell Shire had experienced a significant lack of rainfall over the past eight months and the community should be aware of the risks.

“With the onset of the warmer weather and the seasonal grass beginning to dry out, fires are now igniting and developing with ease,” Mr Keating said.

“CFA needs communities to ensure they have prepared properties and a fire plan.

“If you live in peri-urban area, especially if you are close to farms and grassland, ensure your property is ready for summer.”

CFA District 14 acting assistant chief fire officer Chris Eagle said now was the time for residents to finish cleaning up their properties by clearing gutters and vegetation, pruning trees and cutting grass.

“Although we’ve had good grass growth during winter, we’ve had very little rain recently and both temperatures and wind speed has increased, which has made conditions much drier,” Mr Eagle said.

“Private escaped burn-offs have become more frequent over the last two weeks, which have been burning into adjoining paddocks.

“Residents are reminded to only burn green waste and to check council by-laws before burning off.”

To find out what you can and can’t do during an FDP, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can or call VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.