The Fire Danger Period will begin at 01.00am on Monday 19 October for the following municipalities in CFA's North West Region:
• Mildura Rural City Council
• Swan Hill Rural City Council
• Yarriambiack Shire Council - Northern Part
The Fire Danger Period will apply only to these municipalities from October 19. Further Fire Danger Periods will be introduced in other local government areas across Victoria according to local conditions over the next three months.
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Victoria released on 31 August identified potential for reduced risk of campaign bushfires in East Gippsland for the 2020/21 season following above average rainfall conditions throughout winter.
Elsewhere across the state, much of Victoria has experienced average to below average rainfall during winter and parts of the Mallee, Wimmera, Far South West have become drier than normal.
Overall, La Nina is expected to deliver above average rainfall throughout spring, which could have an impact on the fire potential across most of Victoria.
However, CFA reminds Victorians not to be complacent as an average fire season in this state can still be a bad one.
CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said the declaration of Victoria's first fire restrictions in the Mildura, Swan Hill and Yarriambiack municipalities marks the beginning of this year's fire season.
"Decent winter rainfall across the state has resulted in increased yield and potential fuel load in some parts of the state. However, the grass and bush in the state's North West are rapidly drying and fire potential is heightened due to warmer weather over the next three months," A/CO Cook said.
"Any additional rainfall we do experience in spring will produce growth, which could very easily result in an even higher fuel load throughout the summer season if not properly managed.
"Reducing fuel loads in these areas will ensure if a fire does break out, it has less chance of taking hold or spreading."
"While CFA and our partner agencies Fire Rescue Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria are doing everything we can to prepare for the bushfire season, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires."
A/CO Cook said there was still opportunity to clean up your property in these three municipalities if you haven't already done so.
"People need to be aware that if using fire to clean up around their properties they need to register these on 1800 668 511. So far this year, out-of-control burn-offs and unregistered burn-offs have already caused unnecessary callouts to brigades," A/CO Cook said.
"You should not burn off when winds are high or high winds are forecast - not only on the day of your burn but for the days afterwards.
