The Country Fire Authority announced on Monday, February 8, that Victoria's final local government areas have entered the Fire Danger Period.

Fire restrictions have been put in place across the Wimmera, with conditions expecting to peak on February 11 with a 'very high' fire danger rating.

During a Fire Danger Period written permits from the CFA district office are required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation.

Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of $19,000. Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit.

READ MORE:

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said communities should remain prepared for the risk of fire, despite cooler conditions over the fire season due to a La Nina weather pattern.

"General rainfall across parts of the state has slowed grass curing in the short term, but this may result in significant grass growth as the temperatures warm across the state this month," Chief Officer Heffernan said.

"In line with the current seasonal outlook, we expect the grassfire-dominated season to continue, with shorter duration fires in grassland and dry forests during hotter and windier days.

"We are urging all Victorians to remain alert and understand the restrictions imposed by Fire Danger Periods, as an average fire season in this state can still be a bad one."

Farmers can find more information about farm fire management at https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/farms

For more information on fire restrictions in the Wimmera, visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/wimmera-fire-district

Did you know you can receive updates straight to your inbox? To make sure you're up-to-date with news from across the region, sign up below.