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Leave early and live, urges CFA
Close to half of all Victorians living in areas at high risk of bushfire could be risking their lives by opting to ‘wait and see’ rather than ‘leave early’ on high-risk fire days, a CFA survey has revealed.
More than 600 people in some of Victoria’s highest risk fire locations were surveyed, and the results come despite the state suffering its worst fire season in a decade last year.
The latest seasonal outlook predicts a lower risk of long-running bushfires than last year, when 1.5 million hectares of Victoria burned, but grassfires remain a high risk across the state.
Declared Fire Danger Period is on now
THE fire danger period on the Mornington Peninsula began yesterday (Monday 14 December) and will extend until Saturday 1 May, unless extended or shortened by fire authorities in the meantime.
The CFA declares the Fire Danger Period at the onset of warmer weather to help prevent fires from starting at a time when dry vegetation and hot weather increase the incidence of fires accidentally starting and spreading.
Every effort is being made to prevent an occurrence of last year’s catastrophic fires which blanketed the state and led to fire victims from as far away as Mallacoota being evacuated to HMAS Cerberus.
Fire Danger Period Announced For Local Shires
The Warrnambool City and Moyne Shire s will enter the Fire Danger Period at 01.00am on Monday, 21 December 2020.
They will follow the Corangamite Shire, who enter the Fire Danger Period next Monday, December 14.
CFA District 5 Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Richard Bourke said despite the cooler and wetter conditions this time of year, grassland curing has continued its natural process and the risk of fire in our landscape requires fire restriction to commence.
“The District also experiences a large influx of visitors this time of year and it’s important to ensure that the risk of fire is reduced for the safety of the community,” he said.
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Declared Fire Danger Period starts Monday 14 December
The CFA declares the Fire Danger Period at the onset of warmer weather to help prevent fires from starting as dry vegetation and hot weather increase the incidence of fires accidentally starting and spreading.
This year’s Fire Danger Period will commence on Monday 14 December 2020 and will go until Saturday 1 May 2021 (unless extended or shortened).
When fire restrictions are in force, burning off is prohibited without a permit, including on roadsides.
If a Total Fire Ban day is declared, the lighting of fires or solid fuel heaters and barbecues is illegal.