The CFA-declared Fire Danger Period for 2019-20 will begin at 1am on Monday, 16 December.
During the Fire Danger Period, no open air burning will be allowed without a permit from the CFA, except the use of outside barbecues or personal fire pits/chimineas.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Richard Higgins, encouraged residents to continue clearing their properties of excess vegetation, which can quickly become fuel in a fire.
“The Fire Danger Period officially marks the start of the fire season in Yarra Ranges, but we know from recent events that the risk of fire doesn’t wait,” Cr Higgins said.
“Fallen tree debris, grass, twigs and excess vegetation can dry out and become very flammable in the event of a bush or grass fire, so it’s important to clear up what you can before the fire season begins properly.
“Check the Council website for details about burning off in your area before the Fire Danger Period and remember that burning off isn’t the only way you can prepare; use a fortnightly green waste bin or take excess green waste to the tip.”
During the Fire Danger Period, permits for burning off will only be considered by Council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officer when there are extenuating circumstances, the material is presenting a significant fire risk and when there is no alternative.
Courtesy letters have been sent to residents across Yarra Ranges who have received a Fire Prevention Notice in the past, reminding them to start preparing their property for the fire season.
Council officers are inspecting properties across the municipality as part of Council’s Fire Hazard Inspection Program.
Fire Hazard Inspection Program.
“Our emergency services do a fantastic job of keeping the community safe right through the year, especially during the fire season, but we need to remember that managing bushfire risk is everyone’s responsibility,” Cr Higgins said.
“We need to do our bit and clearing our properties to reduce the risk of a grass or bushfire taking hold.
“If you’re thinking of burning off, always check the conditions and whether you can burn in your area, and don’t leave this until the last minute, because soon it will be too late.”
CFA’s Manager of Community Safety for the North East Region, Tammy Garrett, said the best way to defend your home is to prepare before the fire danger period begins in your area, including cleaning up gardens, gutters and removing flammable waste from your yard.
“Residents who wish to conduct burn-offs on their private properties need to follow some basic rules such as checking weather conditions, monitoring the wind, following Council local laws, and registering their burn-off,” Ms Garrett said.
