The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin for municipalities in Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) District 14, including Hume, in the coming weeks.
The FDP will begin on Monday, November 20, at 1am for Melton, Wyndham and Hume council areas, while Whittlesea’s FDP will begin on Monday, December 4, at 1am.
The announcement comes amid the El Nino weather pattern, meaning Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a bushfire survival plan.
CFA District 14 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tim Holland said residents in these municipalities should take this opportunity ahead of restrictions to reduce the fuel loads around their home.
“Following some of the driest months on record in August and September, the widespread rain that we had at the start of October provided some welcomed relief and slowed the grasslands drying cycle,” he said.
“However, the grass in local paddocks and parklands within our suburbs is starting to dry out and will continue to do so as summer approaches.
“There is still plenty of time to ensure your property is as safe as possible, and we suggest starting with cutting your grass and cleaning up around your households and sheds.”
While CFA’s 52,000 members are poised to respond and support communities this bushfire season, they’re urging people to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.
Residents in District 14 are asked to take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to clean up their properties and for landowners to conduct safe private burn-offs where possible.
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities, which allows emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.
No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a permit to burn, which can be applied for through the fire permits Victoria website.
There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.
Details: www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or 1800 668 511.
