The City of Whittlesea has now entered the fire danger period, FDP, with restrictions coming into effect at 1am on January 9.
FDP restrictions already apply across parts of Victoria, however the Country Fire Authority, CFA, will introduce further restrictions in coming weeks based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and area-specific conditions.
The seasonal bushfire outlook for summer identified potential for increased grassfire conditions during the 2022-23 fire season due to significant grass growth and delayed harvest activities.
CFA District 14 assistant chief fire officer Tim Holland said crops and grass in paddocks and along roadsides were green now, but would dry out as warmer weather continued.
“Widespread rainfall in winter and spring has led to high fuel loads across the district and we can expect to see grass fires 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 the higher fuel loads right through summer.”
City of Whittlesea residents are reminded to reduce the fuel loads around their home, slashing grass and generally cleaning up their property.
No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a permit to burn, which can be applied for through firepermits.vic.gov.au.
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or by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
