The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin at 01.00am on Monday, 30 January 2023 for the East Gippsland Shire area.
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.
CFA District 11 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Daryll Hunter said widespread rainfall in winter and spring has led to high fuel loads across the region and we can expect to see significant grassfires in the region given the right weather conditions.
"The grasslands are drying off due to the recent warmer weather and this increases the risk of grassfires," he said.
"The current warmer weather has also impacted on the dryness of the shrublands and coastal areas, and residents in these areas should be preparing for the impending fire restrictions."
While CFA firefighters are preparing for the bushfire season, they are urging the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.
If you are using fire to clean up your property ahead of the FDP, notify authorities of your burn-off at www.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.
Victorians can find out "Can I or Can't I?" information at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
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 in the previous system, 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 (to view complete conditions visit cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can
- 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
