CFA District 22 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tony Owen said now was the time for residents to be aware of the conditions around them.
“While we’ve had a lot of recent rain, it has been fluctuating and soil conditions in the north-east are still dry and a lot higher than previous years,” Mr Owen said.
“There is a great deal of fuel out there, and we’re predicting a summer of grass fires.
“We’re asking people to keep an eye out on the VicEmergency App and CFA website, to be aware of the fire danger ratings and to know what their plan is should a fire event arise.
“If you can take the time this week to finalise preparing your properties, we strongly suggest you do so, whether that is reducing vegetation around your property or clearing your gutters.”
The CFA is expecting a warmer-than-average spring this year, and would like to remind residents across the region to remain vigilant and to not become complacent about fire risk.
Although the CFA’s 52,000 members are on standby, the agency is urging residents to take responsibility for preventing fires this bushfire season.
In particular, residents and landowners are asked to clean up vegetation around their properties and conduct private burn-offs wherever it is safe to do so leading in to the Fire Danger Period (FDP).
The FDP is set to begin from 1am on Monday, November 11, across Moira Shire, Greater Shepparton and Strathbogie Shire.
During the FDP, a written permit is required to conduct any vegetation burns across these local government areas.
Those who wish to conduct burn-offs are required to alert authorities at the Fire Permits Victoria website through www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
A penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment may apply if residents who light a fire in the open during the FDP are found without a permit.
Apply for a written permit through www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/
Find more information about what you can and can’t do during FDP at http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can
