The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has announced the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin at 1am on Saturday, December 24 for the City of Greater Geelong, the Borough of Queenscliff, Surf Coast Shire and Golden Plains Shire.
Despite the widespread rainfall and flooding in parts of the state due to the return of the La Nina weather pattern, CFA District 7 Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Brendan Lawson said communities had to avoid becoming complacent about the increasing fire risk this season.
“It is important that the community continues to be vigilant on high risk days,” he said.
“The grass will dry out very quickly as we begin to experience more hotter and drier weather.
“In some areas there are going to be wet underlying conditions that may present access issues for firefighters, so we are encouraging the community to remain vigilant around fire.”
The CFA said in a statement its Seasonal Bushfire Outlook had identified the potential for increased grassfire conditions this season due to prolific grass growth generated by recent rainfall and delayed harvest activities.
ACFO Lawson urged the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.
“We strongly encourage the community to use the next few weeks before the start of the Fire Danger Period to clean up around properties, reduce fuel loads and prepare your bushfire plan,” he said.
The CFA reminded property owners to notify authorities ahead of any burn-offs at the Fire Permits Victoria website www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, adding that strict conditions applied to burn-off permits and liability rests with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.
FDP restrictions already apply across parts of Victoria and CFA will be introducing further FDPs for municipalities in the coming weeks based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.
More information concerning restrictions are published at www.cfa.vic.gov.au, and Victorians can also find ‘Can I or Can’t I?’ information there or by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
