South Gippsland residents will be able to resume burn-offs from Tuesday 7 April, with the Fire Danger Period officially ending at 1am that day across a broad swathe of Victoria including South Gippsland Shire, Bass Coast, Baw Baw, East Gippsland, Latrobe City and Wellington Shire.
CFA State Agency Commander Garry Cook said the easing of restrictions reflected improving seasonal conditions. "Nights are becoming increasingly cool, and we are seeing dew in the mornings that further reduces the risk of fire. We have also seen some welcomed rainfall and some noticeable new growth, pointing to higher levels of moisture which will help to keep any fire behaviour manageable."
However, the CFA is urging residents not to become complacent. Dry conditions in many areas mean grassfires can still move quickly even in cooler autumn weather.
Anyone planning a burn-off must register it first, either online at firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511. Landowners are also asked to notify neighbours, maintain a three-metre firebreak, have adequate water on hand and never leave a burn-off unattended. If a burn-off gets out of control, call 000 immediately.
Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria should check whether fire restrictions remain in place in those areas before lighting up.
