South-west fire danger periods to start next week

From 1am Monday, the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will commence in CFA's District 5, which encompasses the Warrnambool, Moyne and Southern Grampians municipalities, as well as District 6, covering the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions.

The seasonal bushfire outlook for Victoria released last month identified potential for increased grassfire conditions for the 2021/22 fire season.

Much of the state has experienced average to above average rainfall during winter and spring, leading to above normal pasture growth across paddocks and roadsides for much of the state, which is likely to increase the grass fire risk throughout the summer period.

Grassland and drier forests including woodlands and heathlands have been assessed as normal, however shorter-duration fires are still likely to occur on hot, dry and windy days.

During the FDP, those keen to light a barbecue, campfire or fire pit must ensure the wind is not more than 10km/h, that the fire is lit in a properly-constructed fireplace or trench at least 30 centimetres deep and a person is in attendance at all times.

When burning off, residents must have a written permit issued by a fire prevention officer or by the CFA district office.

See the full list of what you can and can't do here.

District 5 assistant chief fire officer Richard Bourke reminded residents that even an average fire season can still result in serious fires.

"Conditions through the last fire season were similar to what we're expecting this year although this year we have had a dryer November and December," he said.

"There is potential to see significant grass fires in the north and west of the state, and we've already had some grass fires here in the district," he said.

"Throughout the Southern Grampians, Moyne and Warrnambool municipalities we've had plenty of winter and spring rainfall, and now the grasslands have rapidly dried out with the warmer weather which has seen the increased fuel loads having a greater fire potential."

Mr Bourke said that reducing fuel loads would ensure if a fire does break out, it had less chance of taking hold or spreading.

"While CFA and our partner agencies Fire Rescue Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria are doing everything we can to prepare for the bushfire season, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires," he said.

If people are using fire to clean up around their properties, they should register these at the Fire Permits Website www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.

You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au.

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