Fire restrictions begin next week
Fire restrictions will begin at 1am for the Baw Baw, South Gippsland, Cardinia and Latrobe municipalities.
CFA district nine acting operations manager Emma Conway said low winter rainfall across most of Gippsland meant there was less moisture in the soil than was usually expected.
“Even with the above average rain through November, we already see areas of the bush drying out as soon as wind gets on it,” Ms Conway said. “While the spring rainfall has been welcome, it has produced high levels of growth in the grasslands, which could very easily become a high fuel load throughout the summer season if not properly managed.”
The start of fire restrictions is a month later than last year but on par with the two previous years. Last year saw restrictions enforced on November 19, whilst the date of December 4 was set in 2017 and December 19 in 2016.
However, not all in Gippsland have had a larger window for property cleanups. Restrictions were enforced in East Gippsland on September 23 and Wellington on October 28.
Looking at the seasonal forecast for West Gippsland, the CFA said it was expecting normal bushfire activity. However, they reminded all Victorians that even an average fire reason could be a bad one.
As locals prepare their properties for summer, Ms Conway urged responsibility and common sense, with burn-offs having already caused unnecessary call-outs for local volunteer brigades.
“While CFA and its partner agencies Parks Victoria, Forest Fire Management and Emergency Management Victoria are doing everything we can to prepare for the bushfire season, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires,” she said.
“People need to be aware that if using fire to clean up around their properties, they need to register these on 1800 668 511. So far this year, outof-control burn-offs and unregistered burn-offs have already caused unnecessary call-outs to for brigades.”
“You should not burn off when winds are high or high winds are forecast – not only on the day of your burn but for the days afterwards. A recent case saw a burn that had been out for two weeks reignite and cause hours of work for our volunteer brigades,” added Ms Conway.
It is also important to consult your local council for burn-off restrictions specific to your area.
Once the Fire Danger Period (FDP) comes into effect on Monday, December 16, Ms Conway said the CFA have a zero-tolerance approach to any fires started from negligent behaviour.
“Expect any fire you start to be fully investigated by CFA and Victoria Police,” she said.
During the FDP, lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $19,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment (barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit if lit in properly constructed fireplaces).
The use of an incinerator, chainsaw/lawn mower, welding/grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/heat engine are permitted provided conditions are followed.
CFA does issue permits with strict conditions for certain situations during the FDP.
Victorians can find out “Can I or Can’t I?” information at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.