FIRE chiefs are keeping their options open on when to introduce fire restrictions this year in the south-west — but suggest they could come early.
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But Country Fire Authority region five operations officer Paul Marshall said it was important that landowners and residents acted now to put in place fire plans and clean up around properties.
While most councils are expected to introduce fire restrictions in December, those decisions will be made by the CFA in consultation with councils.
Corangamite Shire has tentatively listed December 1 on its community calendar but other councils are yet to flag a fire restrictions introduction date.
Mr Marshall said the long-range forecast was for an earlier than usual fire season due to low rainfall over winter and so far in spring.
“A good indication is that municipalities in the north-western part of Victoria have already introduced fire restrictions,” he said.
“I would expect that restrictions in region five will be brought in to force earlier than normal (mid to late December).
“It’s something we’re reviewing on a weekly basis and we’ll be looking at carefully to ensure fire restrictions are introduced in a timely manner but not before being required.”
Region five covers the middle part of the south-west, including Warrnambool and Hamilton, with region four taking in Portland to Casterton and region six from Cobden through to Apollo Bay.
Mr Marshall urged landowners and residents to complete preventative works around their properties as soon as possible and contact their local council’s fire prevention officer before burning rubbish.
He said there was an argument that because of the lower rainfall that fuel loads would be reduced but he warned there would be plenty of old fuel in bush areas.
Mr Marshall said Department of Environment and Primary Industries officers had been active in conducting planned burns to reduce fuel on DEPI controlled land.