THE Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin across the South West Region at 1am on Monday, December 26 for the Southern Grampians Shire Council, Moyne Shire Council and Warrnambool City Council.

Restrictions already apply across parts of Victoria and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) will be introducing further FDPs for municipalities in coming weeks.

These will be based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate, and local conditions for each of the areas.

Despite La Nina causing the region to face significant rainfall and flooding in parts of the state in past months, locals must not become complacent about fire risk this summer.

CFA District 5 assistant chief fire officer, Richard Bourke, said there was a large potential for grassfires due to significant grass growth and delayed harvest this season.

“Prolific grass growth from the spring rains and large visitor numbers to the region have contributed to the decision to declare the commencement of the FDP,” he said.

While CFA firefighters are preparing for the bushfire season, they are urging the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.

Residents in these areas should take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to conduct safe private burn-offs to reduce fuel loads and clean up their property.

If you are using fire to clean up your property ahead of the FDP, you should notify authorities of the burn-off on the Fire Permits Victoria website at firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.

Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $21,800 and 12 months’ imprisonment.

Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces.

There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely. 

Monitor weather conditions and do not burn-off during days of high winds. More information about burn-off restrictions specific to your area can be found by consulting your local Council.

Victorians can find out “Can I or Can’t I?” information at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can

As of September 1, the Fire Danger Rating system changed and is now nationally consistent across every state and territory.

The system reduces the number of danger levels from six in the previous system, to four; moderate, high, extreme and catastrophic.

Fire dangers in the home

Outside fires are not the only potential dangers this summer, with lots of fire hazards inside your home when it comes to Christmas time and many decorative lights in use.

The majority of fires begin in the kitchen, and sleeping and lounge areas of a home, with the most common causes being heat sources and electrical short circuits.

CFA chief officer, Jason Heffernan, urged locals to take simple precautionary steps to be sure that it’s only their Christmas tree that lights up this year and not their home.

“Before setting your lights up, make sure the wiring is intact, check there are no missing bulbs or frayed cords, and the lights are in good, working order,” he said.

“When plugging in your lights, remember not to overload power boards, and make sure electrical cords are not covered by a rug or mat.

“Remember to turn your Christmas lights off when leaving the house or before going to bed to ensure they don’t overheat.”

Any device that generates heat or heats up after extended use is a potential fire hazard; this includes stoves, clothes dryers, computers, lights or fans.

Leaving cooking unattended or leaving oil and other ingredients can also be a cause of a fire.