AFTER a season dominated by grassfires and intermittent rainfall, the final fire restrictions were last week lifted in Victoria to bring an end to the fire season.
The Country Fire Authority, CFA, responded to more than 12,800 incidents, including false alarms, between December and March in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 fire seasons.
However, small vegetation fires were down by more than 25 per cent this season, while vegetation and other outside fires remained steady and vehicle, extrication and rescue incidents saw a slight increase.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan thanked every CFA volunteer for their continued commitment to protecting their communities for another fire season.
“As the 2022-23 fire season draws to a close, I want to express my gratitude to the more than 52,000 volunteers across the state who have supported Victoria through another summer,” he said.
“CFA crews have been pivotal in protecting communities through significant grass and bushfires this year such as incidents seen in Flowerdale, Northwood, Glenmore, Maintongoon and Boisdale.”
Mr Heffernan also acknowledged the more than 3080 individual CFA members who played a part in the response to the floods across Victoria last year.
“CFA volunteers don’t stop their valued work now that fire season is over – we know that the colder months bring a new set of challenges, with a focus on responding to fires inside the home and supporting landowners with private burn-offs,” he said.
The end of the fire danger period will be an opportunity for landowners to burn-off again, however it is still important that residents check the conditions are safe and register their burn before beginning.
Residents must also contact their council directly for advice before lighting up, as burn-offs outside the Fire Danger Period may still be subject to local council laws.
Landowners can register their burn-off online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.
