The Fire Danger Period (FDP) is set to begin over the next week for many council areas. The FDP will begin at 1am on Monday, November 18 for Indigo Shire Council, Wangaratta Rural City Council, Alpine Shire Council and Wodonga City Council. Moira Shire, Greater Shepparton and Strathbogie Shires all began their FDP on November 11.
During the FDP, a written permit is required to conduct any vegetation burns across these local government areas.
CFA District 22 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tony Owen said now was the time for residents to be aware of the conditions around them.
“While we’ve had a lot of recent rain, it has been fluctuating and soil conditions in the north-east are still dry and a lot higher than previous years,” Mr Owen said.
“There is a great deal of fuel out there, and we’re predicting a summer of grass fires.
“We’re asking people to keep an eye out on the VicEmergency App and CFA website, to be aware of the fire danger ratings and to know what their plan is should a fire event arise.
“If you can take the time this week to finalise preparing your properties, we strongly suggest you do so, whether that is reducing vegetation around your property or clearing your gutters.”
Bush fire danger period starts in NSW
The Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) began in the NSW RFS Southern Border District on Friday, November 1, 2024 and the RFS is urging residents to prepare now.
Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Federation, Greater Hume, Albury City and Berrigan Council’s commence local statutory BFDP on November 1.
RFS District Coordinator Jesse White is urging residents in the Southern Border District to make and discuss their bush fire survival plan.
“Having a bush fire survival plan will ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger and what to do if their home is threatened by fire,” District Coordinator White said.
District Coordinator White said with recent rainfall events and substantial growth in some grass lands areas coupled with warmer conditions and curing, the Southern Border District is becoming more conducive to the spread of fire, people need to be extremely careful when using fire.
“Residents can ask their local Fire Control Centre for assistance in carrying out safe hazard reductions and for advice about whether they need a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate,” District Coordinator White said.
During the BFDP, landowners and managers are required to obtain a Fire Permit from their local Fire Control Centre before lighting any fires, including hazard reduction burns.
On days of Total Fire Ban all Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificates and Fire Permits are automatically revoked. Information about hazard reduction burning and required notifications is available on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP.
Those who wish to conduct burn-offs in Victoria you are required to alert authorities at the Fire Permits Victoria website through www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
A penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment may apply if residents who light a fire in the open during the FDP are found without a permit.
Apply for a written permit through www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/
Find more information about what you can and can’t do during FDP at http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can
