Country Fire Authority district 17 acting operations manager Craig Brittain said the Fire Danger Period would start in the northern part of Hindmarsh Shire on Monday, and other areas of the region should follow in the next few weeks.

He said a wet winter and average spring rain had meant crop growth was high throughout the region.

“We’ve had tremendous rain at the right time and the growth in crops is abundant,” he said.

“However, while the crops look fantastic, it does create excess growth that could become a fire danger, especially on roadsides and with stubble.”

Mr Brittain said the early onset of warm weather also contributed to fire risks.

“The hot weather we have experienced in spurts over the past weeks, along with drying out of grasses means that the introduction of the Fire Danger Period won’t be too far away,” he said.

“Historically, the restrictions happen in early to mid November, however the date is determined by several factors including the weather and fuel loads.”

Mr Brittain said now was the time for residents to start preparing their homes for the fire season.

“People need to keep cleaning up now because once the fire restrictions come in, it is too late,” he said.

Mr Brittain said people should clean their gutters, clean up any leaf litter and other fine fuels from around homes, remove flammable  items such as paper, boxes and crates, and store fuel supplies and chemicals away from houses.

He said farmers should also ensure their equipment complies with requirements.

“Check any burns that have been done in the past few months that have involved trees or stumps,” he said.

Mr Brittain said anyone who was burning off around their property should register the burn with Vic Fire on 1800 668 511.

“People driving along might see the fire and do the right thing by reporting it, but if the burn off isn’t registered, then the CFA volunteers will respond to it, which is a waste of everyone’s time.

“It also takes the volunteers away from what they are doing and if an emergency happens in that time, we have to rely on volunteers from other areas.”

Mr Brittain said landowners must not leave a fire unattended as it could result in damage to or destruction of life and property. 

“It is important that all landholders are aware of their responsibilities when incorporating burning off into their farm safety plan,” he said.