The CFA has said that, with the final regions in Victoria coming out of the Fire Danger Period today, we have reached the end of the fire season. They are urging Victorians, however, not to become complacent with burn offs.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the Fire Danger Period came to an end across the final parts of Victoria at 1am this morning, Monday 12th April.

“Parts of CFA’s District 2, 4 and 17, including the Greater Bendigo, Glenelg, Horsham and West Wimmera municipalities, were the last areas to lift Fire Danger Period restrictions,” CO Heffernan said.

“It marks the official end to a much milder bushfire season than the unprecedented fire season that ravaged East Gippsland and North Victoria in 2019/20.”

Although the Fire Danger Period is over, it’s important to not become complacent when burning off or having a campfire or bonfire.

“Fires can get out of control within minutes in dry and windy conditions, and the effects can be devastating – we want everyone to exercise extreme caution,” CO Heffernan said.

“While light winds can help to disperse smoke, burn-offs should not be conducted if the wind speed is more than 10kph. This can be observed when twigs and leaves are in constant motion.”

CO Heffernan said that it is important to register all burn-offs so Triple Zero (000) operators know what is happening in the area.

Landowners can register their burn-off by using the Fire Permits Victoria website (firepermits.vic.gov.au), or notifying the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au.

“We ask that landowners register burn-offs to help reduce the risk of CFA brigades being called out unnecessarily if a member of the public calls about smoke or a fire in the area,” CO Heffernan said.

He added that people should never leave a burn-off unattended as it’s the resident’s responsibility to ensure that it does not get out of control.

“If a burn off does get out of control, call ‘000’ immediately. People should have a fire plan and prepare for the event of fire, and never be complacent.”