General News
6 November, 2023
Fire Danger Period to begin in shires next week
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin in the Central Goldfields, Mount Alexander and Loddon shires from Monday, November 13, the CFA has announced. The Fire Danger Period will begin the following week in the Pyrenees Shire on Monday, November 20...
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin in the Central Goldfields, Mount Alexander and Loddon shires from Monday, November 13, the CFA has announced.
The Fire Danger Period will begin the following week in the Pyrenees Shire on Monday, November 20.
The November 13 start for Central Goldfields is a month earlier than last year’s FDP, which began on December 20.
According to CFA Goldfields Group Officer Peter Higgins, drier and warmer weather conditions have contributed to restrictions coming in sooner than expected.
“The reason they’ve brought it in earlier than normal is because of the light rainfall and curing rates have also gone up rapidly in the last couple of weeks,” he said.
“I think [El Niño] could have contributed to it. Everyone is probably a bit gun-shy because it’s been two or three years since we’ve had a major burn so we need to be a lot more careful.
“The growth is pretty high so the chances of grass fires is also probably a little bit higher than normal — people should make sure they don’t do anything reckless in [these areas].”
Urging everyone to take precautions, Mr Higgins said people should not take any chances.
“Since the FDP is starting earlier, we just need to be a bit more vigilant in regards to the fire season,” he said.
“Residents should make sure they don’t burn off without a permit and make sure to keep the surrounding vegetation low.
“Everyone should make sure they’re ready — be on the lookout, put your fire plan into place and ensure your properties are cleaned up, these steps are imperative.”
Outside the local area, the FDP began in the Northern Grampians (bordering the Pyrenees) on November 6, and Campaspe Shire restrictions will begin on November 13.
During the FDP, fires cannot be lit in the open — including campfires — unless you have a permit or certain conditions are met.
To find out what you can and can’t do during the Fire Danger Period, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/total-fire-bans-fire-danger-ratings/can-i-or-cant-i
The FDP is yet to be announced for Hepburn Shire.