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Early End to Fire Danger Period
Recent heavy rains and forecast cooler weather has prompted CFA Yarra Area - Region 13 to declare an early end to the Fire Danger Period. The Fire Danger Period will end in CFA Yarra Area – Region 13 at 0100 hours on Monday 22 March, 2010. It was originally scheduled to end 1 May 2010.
This means CFA fire restrictions will be lifted in the municipalities of Yarra Ranges, Knox, Nillumbik, Banyule, Manningham, Maroondah and Murrindindi.
Other municipalities partly in or surrounding Yarra Area – Region 13, including Whittlesea, Casey, Cardinia and Baw Baw, will also have fire restrictions lifted at the same time.
Region 13 Acting Operations Manager, Gary Weir said the decision was made in consultation with local councils and brigades and reflected the on-ground conditions.
“The heavier than expected rains and cooler weather meant the CFA in the Yarra Area could declare an early end to the Fire Danger Period,” Mr Weir said.
“With the fire restrictions being lifted on March 22 people planning to burn off still need to take care.
“This is an early opportunity for residents to start cleaning up and preparing their properties for next Summer.
“People still need to be aware of local council laws, which cover fires in the outdoors. Property owners should contact local council in the first instance before commencing any plan to burn off, even outside of the declared Fire Danger Period,” he said.
Mr Weir advised burn-offs should also be registered with the VicFire Burn-off notification line on 1800 668 511 and property owners should:
- check the weather forecast and prevailing conditions before lighting up
- consider the wind speeds
- check the fuel moisture conditions; and
- ensure you monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.
People planning a burn should also notify neighbours, have the appropriate equipment and supervise the fire until it is completely extinguished.
For more information contact CFA Yarra Area - Region 13 in Lilydale on 8739 1300.