CFA has further extended the Fire Danger Period (FDP) in parts of northeast Victoria as underlying dryness continues to elevate fire risk.
With an average rainfall of 41mm and only 2mm reaching the far northeast in April, the area is susceptible to fire ignition which could be challenging for firefighters to control.
As a result, the fire restriction has been extended for Towong Shire Council until 1:00am on 23 June 2025.
All other Victorian municipalities fire restrictions have been lifted.
District 24 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brett Myers said the decision to extend restrictions was necessary to protect communities while dry conditions persisted.
"While cooler days are arriving, the landscape remains dry enough to allow fires to start and spread quickly if a burn-off gets out of control," Brett said.
Residents within Towong Shire Council are reminded that burning off remains prohibited unless a valid permit is obtained.
Since 1 April to 20 May, CFA has responded to 178 escaped burn-offs across the state.
"Escaped burn-offs continued to cause significant concern," Brett said.
"By extending the fire restrictions, we're hoping to avoid preventable fires caused by complacency or misunderstanding.
"Escaped burns tie up our resources and present a real danger to both the community and our volunteers."
Brett also urged landowners to help reduce unnecessary callouts, by registering their burn-offs.
"We're asking all landowners in areas without fire restrictions to register their burn-offs online, to help prevent false alarms which divert resources from other emergencies," Brett said.
Under the CFA Act, penalties for lighting an open-air fire without a permit during the Fire Danger Period can include fines of up to $23,710, 12 months' imprisonment, or both.
Landowners can apply for a permit to burn off at firepermits.vic.gov.au.
Burn off safety checklist:
- Obtain a permit if required and check and monitor weather conditions - particularly wind.
- Postpone your activity if high fire risk conditions develop.
- Notify your neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke.
- Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
- Ensure you have enough water on hand (10 litres for small fires).
- Never leave a burn-off unattended - stay for its entire duration.
- Ensure there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn effectively.
