The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1.00am on Monday, 15 April for the remainder of the North West region in the following municipalities in CFA's District 2 and 14.
- City of Greater Bendigo
- Mt Alexander Shire Council
- Central Goldfields Shire Council
- Macedon Ranges Shire Council
- Melton City Council
- Wyndham City Council
- Nillumbik Shire Council
- City of Whittlesea
- Hume City Council
- Banyule City Council
While restrictions are lifting in these areas, CFA still expects the grassfire risk to remain across the state, so Victorians need to be alert and prepared.
CFA District 14 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tim Holland said following a decent amount of rain in the region across Easter, the landscape will begin to change over coming weeks.
"We will start to see the dry yellow landscape change to green growth, meaning burning conditions will be better for landowners to conduct burn-offs safely," Tim said.
CFA District 2 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mick Hembrow said it is an opportune time to end restrictions to allow landowners the chance to clean up their properties following the wet start they have had.
"It's important for our communities to get some safe burning done to prepare before winter and before it gets too wet for them," Mick said.
"While the grass and bush in the north is still dry, we've been issuing a lot of private permits for stubble burns, with large patches of land being burnt to prepare for crop sowing.
"It's still important that residents check that local conditions are safe before undertaking these activities."
You must still register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws, as well as EPA laws and applicable regulations.
"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," Mick said.
"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.
