The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1.00am on Monday, 17 April in the following municipalities in CFA's West Region:
- Ararat Rural City Council
- City of Ballarat
- Hepburn Shire Council
- Moorabool Shire Council
- Northern Grampians Shire Council
- Pyrenees Shire Council
While restrictions are lifting in these areas, CFA still expects the grassfire risk to remain across the state in the coming months, so Victorians need to remain alert and prepared.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer Brett Boatman said there is still dry vegetation in the area, which may see fires spread quickly.
"If fires are not contained and completely extinguished, there still remains a level of risk," he said.
"We're urging everyone to stay safe, whether you're living in or travelling to high bushfire risk areas.
"Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk."
The end of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will be an opportunity for some landowners to burn-off again, however it's important that residents check that local conditions are safe before undertaking these activities.
"Landowners need to remain vigilant and ensure they follow safe practices when burning off, as well as registering their burn-offs, checking weather conditions and following local council laws and regulations," DCO Boatman said.
"Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is cross-checked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding."
"When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.
Landowners can register their burn-off online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.
If possible, landowners should also notify their neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precautions.
Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on EPA's website.
Keep your burn off safe and legal:
- Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
- Check and monitor weather conditions - particularly wind.
- To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand.
- Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
- Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.
- Never leave a burn-off unattended - stay for its entire duration.
- If your burn-off gets out of control, call '000' immediately.
- Tips for looking after your health when there is smoke can be found on EPA's website
