Fire restrictions in Warrnambool, Moyne and Southern Grampians will come into effect on Monday while Corangamite and Glenelg’s restrictions began in early November.

District five operations officer Henry Barton said below average rain fall had resulted in dry soils and challenging conditions lay ahead.

“The spring rain that we usually get we just didn’t get this year,” he said.

Mr Barton said the extremely dry conditions meant fire restrictions had been brought in a month early.

He said the fire activity on Wednesday was an indication of how quickly blazes could spread. “We had about nine call-outs throughout the day,” he said.

Mr Barton said most were burn-offs which got out of control due to the strong winds.

He said Wednesday demonstrated there was real potential for a bad season. 

“Those small fires indicate how quickly they can spread,” he said.

“We didn’t have the high temperatures. It was the strong winds that got them up and burning.

Fire fighters were called to Illowa, Yambuk, Garvoc, Terang, Broadwater, Cudgee and Woodford. Firefighters have also been kept busy containing a peat fire near Strathdownie. 

Mr Barton said residents should have their fire plans well and truly in place and urged people to report any fire activity to triple-0.

“They should have spoken to neighbours and elderly relatives about their plans,” he said. “People should keep an eye on what fires are in their area and keep well away or evacuate if necessary.”

Mr Barton said the fire restrictions meant a fire could not be lit in the open air without a permit from the CFA or their council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

Anyone who doesn’t have a permit could be breaking the law and may be prosecuted. For more information visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au