WHILE widespread rainfall has delayed the start of this year’s fire season, the Country Fire Authority has identified increased fire risk in north-west Victoria and declared the state’s first fire danger period for the season.
The FDP will begin at 1am on November 21 for Mildura Rural City Council area.
Further danger periods will be introduced for other municipalities in the coming months, based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.
After recent wet weather, the CFA has urged residents not to be complacent about fire risk this season.
The seasonal bushfire outlook for spring, released in August, identified potential for increased grassfire conditions.
Based on the latest outlook, the Victorian fire season is expected to be normal, except for parts of central and eastern Victoria.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said as a result of the wet spring the Mildura fire danger period would begin about three weeks later than usual.
“Despite the current flooding that is occurring along the Murray River, the wet spring has generated enormous grass growth right across the Mallee, which presents a fire risk,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Parts of north-west Victoria are experiencing days over 30 degrees and the grass is drying out rapidly in these areas.
“Hay baling and harvesting activities are beginning across the Mallee and now is the time to undertake those last-minute clean up tasks on your property.
“More hot weather is approaching and now is the time to prepare your family and property for fire season.”
While firefighters are preparing for the bushfire season, they are urging the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.
Mildura Rural City Council residents have been encouraged to take the opportunity to conduct safe private burn-offs to reduce fuel loads and clean up properties.
People using fire to clean up should register the burn-off at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
No burning is permitted during the fire danger period without a permit.
There are strict conditions attached to the permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.
Residents should monitor weather conditions and not burn-off during high winds.
