Fire Danger Period declared

(Supplied)

Mount Macedon Fire Brigade is reminding residents to take note of restrictions this summer, as the Country Fire Authority (CFA) officially declared the Fire Danger Period in the Macedon Ranges yesterday.

The December 20 date set by the CFA is determined in each local government area depending on the amount of rain, the rate of grassland growth and other localised factors.

“The Fire Danger Period is when CFA restricts the use of fire in the community. This is to help prevent fires from starting,” A Mount Macedon Fire Brigade spokesperson said.

Once a Fire Danger Period has been declared, fire cannot be lit without a permit or the fulfillment of other requirements.

This is different from a Total Fire Ban, which is pronounced by the CFA on individual days where the risk of fire is severe and likely to spread.

All potentially dangerous activities, including welding outdoors, driving vehicles in grasslands and solid fuel barbecue usage are prohibited when a Total Fire Ban is declared.

In the Macedon Ranges, all burn offs must be registered prior to starting.

Details: www.cfa.vic.gov.au