by Emma Ballingall
Out of control burn offs, combined with dry local conditions, have seen the early arrival of fire restrictions in Baw Baw Shire.
CFA region nine acting assistant chief fire officer Simon Bloink hoped the decision would better manage the fire risk ahead of westerly winds further drying out grass and bushland this spring.
For those caught out by the early arrival of restrictions and still needing to clean up properties, Mr Bloink urged them to apply for a permit.
"Where warranted, we'll issue a permit," he said.
"Not everyone does the right thing with burn offs, so it's a risk. (Permits are) a way of controlling what's going on."
The CFA provided 10 days notice when announcing the fire danger period would begin in Baw Baw from yesterday (Monday).
Based on assessments of rainfall, grassland curing and local conditions, the decision meant Baw Baw was one of the first municipalities to face restrictions in Victoria. The introduction is six weeks earlier than last year.

South Gippsland Shire and Latrobe City are also now under restrictions