General News
16 November, 2023
CFA announces fire danger period
THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) has announced the fire danger period for Corangamite Shire will begin next week. The fire danger period (FDP) will begin at 1am from Monday, November 20 for CFA’s South West region. The recently-declared El Niño...
THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) has announced the fire danger period for Corangamite Shire will begin next week.
The fire danger period (FDP) will begin at 1am from Monday, November 20 for CFA’s South West region.
The recently-declared El Niño weather pattern means Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer than recent years, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a Bushfire Survival Plan.
CFA deputy chief officer (South West) Adrian Gutsche said the FDP was being introduced due to the drying conditions in the forest areas of the region.
“This includes all the areas associated with District 4, 5, 6 and 7,” he said.
“Communities may still see some green conditions across grassed areas, however the underlying grass conditions are conducive to carrying fire.
“With the dryness of the forest, there is the risk that if fires start they will take hold in forested areas hence the implementation of the fire danger period.”
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 the south west are asked to take the remaining weeks 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 online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.
By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.