The Fire Danger Period will end at 1am on March 22 in the Macedon Ranges and at 1am on March 29 in Mount Alexander Shire.
CFA acting assistant chief fire officer Mick Hembrow said that with milder weather, cooler nights and a return of green to many paddocks, the timing was right to remove the fire restrictions across the district.
“We still want people to act safely, when and if they decide to burn and we are encouraging people to now clean up around their properties before winter” he said.
Mr Hembrow emphasised that while the FDP was coming to an end in some areas, it was still important to remain vigilant.
“We’re urging everyone to stay safe, whether you’re living in or travelling to high bushfire risk areas,” he said.
“Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk.”
While the Fire Danger Period will come to an end, it is still important that residents check the local conditions are safe for any burn-off they are considering undertaking.
“You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” Mr Hembrow said.
“Registering your burn-off ensures that if somebody reports smoke, the incident will be cross-checked with the burn-off register, which will then prevent CFA crews wasting resources and showing up at your door.”
Landowners can now register their burn-off online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
Alternatively, you can register with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au
When conducting burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.
Keep your burn off safe and legal:
Check fire restrictions in your area and always register your burn at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.
Check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind.
To avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services, notify your neighbours beforehand.
Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading.
Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration.
If your burn-off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately.
