Golden Plains Shire will enter the Fire Danger Period (FDP) at 1am on Monday 20 November 2023, with fire restrictions in force until the Country Fire Authority (CFA) announces the end of the season.
Each year, the CFA introduces Fire Restrictions for the Golden Plains Shire over the summer period. Fire restrictions are determined by the CFA in response to weather and fuel curing in the lead up to summer.
This Summer will see extreme heat, dry conditions and increased fire danger. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has declared two major climate drivers; El Nino and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) that will impact our weather this season. It’s important to not only prepare for yourself and your family, but also learn how you can support your community.
During the FDP, there are a number of restrictions that residents must adhere to and landowners are required to maintain the levels of fine fuels on their properties.
Landowners in Golden Plains are required to keep grass on their residential properties cut so it is no higher than 100mm during the Fire Danger Period. On properties more than two hectares, grass must be kept below 100mm, up to a minimum of 20 metres from a house or outbuilding.
Council encourages residents to make sure any burn offs are completed well ahead of the start of the Fire Danger Period. If you are planning to burn off your garden waste pile, make sure you have:
- Checked the fire danger rating.
- Logged the burn off on 1800 668 511 or online at Fire Permits Victoria – it is a breach of Council’s Local Law to not register your burn off.
- The means to immediately extinguish the fire.
- Cleared all around your burn pile.
- Ensure that any vehicles/water tanks that you use to assist in extinguishing the fire have the ability to enter and exit the area without getting bogged.
Residents must be in attendance of their burn offs at all times and must ensure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving it unattended.
To find out what you can and can’t do during the Fire Danger Period, and on days of Total Fire Bans, visit the CFA’s website cfa.vic.gov.au.
Council commenced its Fire Hazard Inspection Program on Monday 13 November 2023. If you believe you have been issued with a Fire Prevention Notice but have not received one, please contact Council at [email protected] or call 5220 7111.
Residents who have been issued with a Fire Prevention Notice are required to complete necessary works to limit hazards by 4 weeks after the date of issue.