Fire danger period now in place

Published on 14 November 2024

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has announced the Fire Danger Period for Mount Alexander Shire which is in the North Central Fire District, will run from Monday 11 November 2024 until May 2025.

This means you cannot light a fire in the open air unless you have a permit or comply with certain requirements.

Mount Alexander Shire Council, the CFA and other emergency management agencies are currently working with communities to plan and prepare for this year’s fire season.

Council’s Acting Emergency Management Coordinator, Zac Abbott, said that now is the perfect time to get ready for fire danger period.

“Preparing your homes, gardens and properties ahead of summer is incredibly important,” said Mr Abbott.

“That means cutting grass, weeding, clearing gutters, and relocating fuel and stacks of wood away from your home.

“It’s also a good time to finalise your emergency plan, check on your insurance and make sure your emergency kit is up-to-date.”

Council encourages residents to download the VicEmergency app for emergency alerts, updates and advice to be sent directly to your phone.

“The CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au is a great place to find information on how to plan and prepare for fires over summer,” said Mr Abbott.

Normal radio, telephone or internet communications may be disrupted during a disaster, so residents are encouraged to have a working transistor radio with a fresh supply of batteries in their emergency kit.

“It’s important to be prepared to leave your property early, ensuring you have somewhere to stay in the event of an emergency, extreme or catastrophic fire conditions.

“This could be anywhere that isn’t in the impact or forecast area, such as with family and friends away from the area or in a major town or city.

“We’ve been out and about slashing grass on roads, helping to slow the spread of a grassfire should one start.

“We’re also conducting fire prevention inspections on properties to ensure residents are taking measures to reduce the risk of fire on their properties.

To assist residents to prepare their properties for summer, Council is offering residents free green waste disposal at the Castlemaine and Maldon transfer stations from Saturday 2 November to Sunday 17 November.

For more information about fire restrictions during fire danger period, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can/.

For more information about burning off, visit www.firepermits.vic.gov.au.

Visit VicEmergency online at www.emergency.vic.gov.au and download their app for information on how to prepare for fire, and to receive timely information during the event of an emergency.