VICTORIA’s official fire danger period (FDP) has already been announced in two council areas, with a hotter, drier start to spring across much of the state and warmer conditions ahead.

The CFA declared the first Fire Danger Period (FDP) for the 2023-34 fire season, starting this Monday, October 9 for the Wellington and East Gippsland Shire Councils and FDPs for other municipalities in the coming months, based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.

With the predicted El Niño weather pattern, Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer than recent years and the CFA is encouraging communities to begin preparing their properties and creating a Bushfire Survival Plan.

CFA chief officer, Jason Heffernan, said the FDP declaration was earlier this year, which was an indication of what Victoria can expect for the summer ahead.

“While crews are ready to respond and support communities this bushfire season, fire safety is a shared responsibility and we ask Victorians to prepare and know their local risks,” he said.

“We are asking anyone burning off in the next two weeks before the official FDP begins to be very careful.

“Take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up your property, prepare your bushfire plan with your family and download the VicEmergency app.”

He said with increased day and night temperatures and low rainfall than average forecast over coming months, the timing for the early introduction of the Fire Danger Period is necessary.

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by phoning ESTA on 1800 668 511.

“By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately,” chief officer Heffernan said.

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

During a Fire Danger Period:

• A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au.

• Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can.

• Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms.

• More information about FDPs is available online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod.

• To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or phone the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Fire services ready

FOREST Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and its partners, CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and local government have been busy preparing for the upcoming bushfire season, with the expectation of earlier arrival of high-risk bushfire weather and a prolonged fire season compared to recent years.

To reduce bushfire risk, authorities undertake planned burning and mechanical works like mowing and mulching, removing hazardous trees and maintain strategic fuel breaks.

Planned burning occurs all year round when it is safe to do and in the coming weeks, planned burns will continue at key sites across the Otways, the Great Ocean Road and in the far south-west.

Authorities advise people may see smoke, firefighting vehicles, aircraft, and crews in the area, these are a normal part of planned burns.

These burns build on the 3869 hectares of planned burns completed across Barwon South West in 2022/2023.

This work has reduced the region’s residual risk below the target of 60 per cent of maximum levels.

FFMVic deputy chief fire officer, David Rourke, said his organisation and its partners were well-prepared for a potential earlier start to the bushfire season – we work every day to reduce bushfire risk to communities.

“Year-round, we are focused on actions with the greatest impact to minimise bushfire risk for communities and the environment, including planned burning, slashing and maintenance of strategic fuel break networks,” he said.

“The community has an important role to play as well, which is why we’re reminding everyone to understand their local risks, stay informed and take action now to prepare themselves and their properties.”

Maintenance of an expanded network of strategic fuel breaks is also underway, with crews slashing and mulching these critical assets.

Strategic fuel breaks are a modified corridor of vegetation that support safer back-burning during fire response and planned burns, in locations that help firefighters defend private property, significant transport routes and critical community assets like water and power supplies from the impact of bushfires.

Authorities are also reminding the community that fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and all Victorians; understanding local risks, staying informed and acting now to prepare properties are key steps in remaining safe throughout the summer season.

National Parks and State forests will be closed on Catastrophic fire danger days during summer and may be closed on other days when the risk to life is considered unacceptable. Visitors should check local weather conditions before travelling into forested areas.

Campers are also reminded to stay alert and follow campfire safety rules, including never leaving a campfire unattended and always using water to put campfires out until they are cool to touch.

To find out when and where planned burns are happening near you sign up at www.plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au or download the VicEmergency App.

For more information on preparing your property visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property

For safety tips on campfires visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/safety-in-nature/visitor-safety-tips-in-parks/campfires.