The Fire Danger Period, FDP, will begin for the City of Whittlesea at 1am on Monday, January 9 2023.
The Country Fire Authority, CFA, is urging the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires as their brigade and group members prepare for the bushfire season.
The CFA warns that now is the time for landowners to prepare their property ahead of the introduction of the Fire Danger Period in the City of Whittlesea.
By removing fire fuels now, home and landowners can reduce the potential of an ember attack, which can enter or lodge in homes and start a fire.
Burning off grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation is generally permitted outside of the Fire Danger Period but Whittlesea community members must check for information specific to their area by contacting the City of Whittlesea.
The CFA reminds home and landowners to notify authorities if using fire to clean up their property.
No burning off is permitted during the Fire Danger Period without a permit to burn, which can be applied for through www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.
CFA district 14 assistant chief fire officer Tim Holland warned that though crops and grass in paddocks and grass along the roadsides were now green, they would dry out.
“Widespread rainfall in winter and spring has led to high fuel loads across the district and we can expect to see grassfires start this fire season,” he said.
“It has been a few years now since we have seen so much spring grass growth through the paddocks and grasslands, which will provide higher fuel loads right through summer.
“As we experience more warmer weather, we will see this grass dry out over the next few weeks. This dry grass will burn, fire will spread which means we could see larger grass fires around the outer suburbs of Melbourne.”
CFA’s north west region manager of community safety David Allen said community members should be aware of the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System.
“New signs are currently being installed, so you need to know what each rating means and what action you will take. Above all, understand your individual fire risk, your environment and prepare and plan accordingly,” he said.
The CFA also urge the community to know and practice their family’s fire plan so they are ready to enact it when the time comes.
The CFA advises those who live next to grassland to plan to walk at least two streets back if a grassfire starts.
They also warn to never drive if you can see smoke or fire, as thick smoke will make it hard to see and accidents will become more likely. Roads should be kept clear for emergency services.
A fire plan should also account for the safety of pets.
