News

Fire danger period continues in Greater Shepparton

By Shepparton News

Feb 16, 2022

Risk remains: The CFA is reminding community members to abide by the fire danger period restrictions. Photo by Jamie Salter

The CFA is reminding community members that the fire danger period is still in force and authorities have a zero-tolerance approach to anyone caught breaching fire restrictions.

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Recent hot weather coupled with significant grass fuel loads, due to higher-than-average rainfall, means there is still a risk of fast-running grass fires, according to the CFA.

“Unfortunately, there has been some recent incidents where residents have not complied with current restrictions, which has required police and fire brigade attendance,” CFA District 22 commander Mark Narayan said.

During the fire danger period, fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit and penalties for lighting fires illegally include hefty fines and possible imprisonment due to the risk to the community and livelihoods.

“Currently we are not issuing permits in District 22, but we are monitoring weather conditions and fuel loads constantly to ensure we can commence the issuing of permits as soon as practical,” Mr Narayan said.

District 22 encompasses the Moira and Strathbogie shires, and the City of Greater Shepparton.

For information on the fire danger period visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can

To check whether permit applications are being considered, apply for, and notify of the use of a permit to burn, visit firepermits.vic.gov.au

Fire danger period information

• A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the fire danger period.

• A permit is required to operate a gas-powered scare gun.

• Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty up to 120 penalty units and/or up to 12 months’ jail. Barbecues and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces.

• The use of an incinerator, chainsaw/lawnmower, 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. Conditions also apply to commercial caterers, barbecues, campfires and machinery.

• Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property/farms

This information is important especially for new farmers, bush block owners or hobby farmers.

• A Total Fire Ban declaration means no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day unless there is a specific exemption or special permit issued. This applies irrespective of the fire restriction status for a given municipality.