General News
9 May, 2025
Restrictions extended
FOR the first time since 2019, the Fire Danger Period (FDP) was extended in parts of Victoria as unseasonably dry conditions continue to elevate fire risk.
A lack of rainfall has left vegetation in the state’s south west susceptible to fire ignition, with some areas as dry as they were during the devastating 1982/83 fire season.
Fire restrictions were extended in the Moyne Shire Council and Warrnambool City Council municipalities until next Monday. May 12.
Last Thursday saw the FDP end in all other Victorian municipalities.
Country Fire Authority (CFA) chief officer Jason Heffernan said the decision to extend restrictions was necessary to protect communities while dry conditions persisted.
“We know people look forward to the end of the fire season, but in some areas it was still too risky to lift restrictions,” Mr Heffernan said.
“While cooler days are arriving, the landscape remains dry enough to allow fires to start and spread quickly if a burn-off gets out of control.”
Residents in affected areas are reminded that burning off remains prohibited unless a valid permit is obtained.
Since April 1, CFA has responded to 127 preventable vegetation fires across Victoria, with more than half (53 per cent) caused by escaped burn-offs.
Other significant causes included bonfires, campfires, fire pits and fireworks.
“Escaped burn-offs continued to cause significant concern,” Mr Heffernan said.
“What we want to avoid is preventable fires caused by complacency or misunderstanding.
“Escaped burns tie up our resources and present a real danger to both the community and our volunteers.”
Mr Heffernan urged landowners to help reduce unnecessary callouts by registering their burn-offs.
“We’re asking all landowners to register their burn-offs online, even if their municipality has exited restrictions,” he said.
“Registering helps prevent false alarms that divert resources from genuine emergencies.”
Under the CFA Act, penalties for lighting an open-air fire without a permit during the FDP can include fines of up to $23,710, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
