Fire restrictions for every municipality in Country Fire Authority's District 17 will be in place from Monday, December 9.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Fire Danger Period will begin for Horsham Rural City and the West Wimmera Shire from 1PM on Monday, bringing the district's four municipalities of Hindmarsh, Horsham, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack into the fire danger period.
CFA District 17 acting operations manager Alfred Mason said the risk of fire was increasing as fuel loads dried out with warmer weather and strong winds.
Mr Mason urged everyone to be diligent in taking preventative measures.
"It is incumbent on all members of our communities to ensure we undertake preparation to limit the risk of fires starting, limit the chance of fires taking hold and limit the spread of fires," Mr Mason said.
Fire restrictions have also been announced for all of District 16 from Monday, including Ararat, Pyrenees and Northern Grampians.
Fire Danger Period information:
- A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. This permit may be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office. Please check with your municipality in the first instance.
- Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $19,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment. Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces (to view complete conditions visit cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can
- The use of an incinerator, chainsaw/lawn mower, welding/grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/heat engine are permitted provided conditions are followed.
- Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/farms - this information is important especially for new farmers, bush block owners or hobby farmers.
- A Total Fire Ban declaration means no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day unless there is a specific exemption or special permit issued. This applies irrespective of the Fire Restriction status for a given municipality. Further details at cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can/
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.