Fire restrictions brought forward
caption
Recent warm weather has brought forward the declaration of the Fire Danger Period in a number of municipalities in the North East Area. Fire restrictions are due to begin next week; starting from 1 am on Monday, 23 November.
CFA North East Area General Manager, Alan Davies, said there had already been some small fires in the area and conditions were being closely monitored.
"During the Fire Danger Period anyone wanting to light a fire in the open air, such as burning off grass or other vegetation, needs a written permit from their local Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or their regional CFA office," Mr Davies said.
Mr Davies said that although a permit isn't needed until the Fire Danger Period is declared, people should take particular care when lighting a fire in the open and remember fires cannot be lit at all when it is a day of Total Fire Ban.
"The earlier start to the Fire Danger Period, on the 23rd of November, will impact on the municipalities of Indigo, Wangaratta, Benalla, Wodonga, Campaspe, Shepparton, Moira and Strathbogie" he said.
Mr Davies said because the grass had not dried out to the same extent in some areas, declaration of the Fire Danger Period will be later in some municipalities.
"The Fire Danger Period is being declared at 1am on Monday 30th November in the municipalities of Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Towong, Alpine and in the Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham Alpine Resort areas" he said.
Further information about the requirements during fire restrictions and on days of Total Fire Ban is available from the CFA publication 'Can I Can't I' which can be obtained from the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 to obtain a copy.