Fire restrictions come into force on Sunday

Fire restrictions come into force in the Baw Baw Shire local government area at midnight on Sunday.

Restrictions also come into force in the shires of Bass Coast, Cardinia and Latrobe.  There are no restrictions in force in East Gippsland.

This year’s restrictions are a month later than last year because of a long-wet spring period.  They are due to be lifted in May, although last year’s restrictions ended ahead of schedule in March.

Local hot conditions in recent weeks has seen bushland and grass areas dry off extensively, leading to an increased fire risk.

During winter and spring most of the state received average to above average rainfall, with the exception of the northwest and far west of the state.

This has resulted in a later start to the fire season compared to recent years.

The latest Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for December to February indicates average rainfall for most of Victoria with generally warmer than average conditions in the west of the state and cooler than average conditions in the east of the state.

The rainfall outlook when viewed in combination with the existing underlying moisture indicates that there is a low likelihood of large-scale fires in the foothill forests, with below normal risk across the eastern, northeast and central ranges.

Additionally, burnt areas from the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons are included as part of the below normal assessment in eastern Victoria., the report said.

Higher than normal rainfall in recent months has however led 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.

Roadside grass senescence and cropland harvest activities have been delayed and this will extend the period of heightened risk associated with unharvested crops, compared to previous seasons.

Although grassland and drier forests including woodlands and heathlands have been assessed as normal, shorter-duration fires are still likely to occur on hot, dry and windy days, the report concluded.

La Nina weather conditions are expected to continue resulting in wetter outlooks for eastern Australia.

Anyone intending to burn off this week ahead of the restrictions is reminded to monitor conditions.

From January 10 any fires in the open air require a permit using the new digital permit system via firepermits.vic.gov.au

Introduced last year, residents and businesses using fire and heat sources such as commercial catering, fireworks or welding can use the website to check if they need a fire permit, apply for a fire permit, notify authorities they are using a permit, and register a burn off when restrictions are not in place.

Acting Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman said grassfires posed a particular risk this summer, after a wet spring resulted in significant grass and scrub growth.

 “Grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25km per hour and jump highways.

Avoid any fires along your planned route by setting up ‘watch zones’ in the VicEmergency app before you leave, to receive updates about any nearby incidents,” he said

He said people visiting rural areas needed to make themselves aware of the fire danger periods and the conditions at the time.

Unattended campfires should be reported to 136 186, bushfires should be reported to 000. On days of a Total Fire Ban, campfires are not allowed and should be reported to 000.

Visit the fire agencies’ respective websites at cfa.vic.gov.au, frv.vic.gov.au and ffm.vic.gov.au for more fire safety information.