Fire restrictions extended for first time this decade
Restrictions are being extended in the Southwest and Northeast
For the first time since 2019, the Fire Danger Period (FDP) will be extended in parts of Victoria as unseasonably dry conditions continue to elevate fire risk.
A lack of rainfall has left vegetation in the state’s South West and parts of the North East susceptible to fire ignition, with some areas as dry as they were during the devastating 1982/83 fire season.
Fire restrictions will be extended in the following municipalities:
- Moyne Shire Council (until 12 May)
- Warrnambool City Council (until 12 May)
- Southern Grampians Shire Council (until 12 May)
- Glenelg Shire Council (until 19 May)
- Towong Shire Council (until 26 May)
All other Victorian municipalities will exit the Fire Danger Period on 1 May, with restrictions already lifted in some areas.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the decision to extend restrictions was necessary to protect communities while dry conditions persisted.
"We know people look forward to the end of the fire season, but in some areas it’s still too risky to lift restrictions," Jason said.
"While cooler days are arriving, the landscape remains dry enough to allow fires to start and spread quickly if a burn-off gets out of control."
Residents in affected areas are reminded that burning off remains prohibited unless a valid permit is obtained.
Since 1 April, CFA has responded to 127 preventable vegetation fires across Victoria, with more than half (53 per cent) caused by escaped burn-offs. Other significant causes included bonfires, campfires, fire pits and fireworks.
“Escaped burn-offs continued to cause significant concern,” Jason said.
"What we want to avoid is preventable fires caused by complacency or misunderstanding."
"Escaped burns tie up our resources and present a real danger to both the community and our volunteers."
Jason also urged landowners to help reduce unnecessary callouts, by registering their burn-offs.
"We’re asking all landowners to register their burn-offs online, even if their municipality has exited restrictions," he said.
"Registering helps prevent false alarms that divert resources from genuine emergencies."
Under the CFA Act, penalties for lighting an open-air fire without a permit during the Fire Danger Period can include fines of up to $23,710, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
Landowners can apply for a permit to burn off at firepermits.vic.gov.au.
Burn off safety checklist:
- Obtain a permit if required.
- Check and monitor weather conditions - particularly wind.
- Postpone your activity if high fire risk conditions develop.
- Notify your neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke.
- Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
- Ensure you have enough water on hand (10 litres for small fires).
- Never leave a burn-off unattended - stay for its entire duration.
- Ensure there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn effectively.