Burning off now prohibited in Yarra Ranges as Fire Danger Period begins

Burning off is no longer permitted in the Yarra Ranges, with the CFA-declared Fire Danger Period beginning at 1am, Monday, 19 November.

During the Fire Danger Period, you are permitted to use barbecues, fireplaces and chimineas. All other burning off requires a permit.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Tony Stevenson, encouraged residents to make the most of their green waste bin and bundled branches collection during the FDP.

"If you haven’t already cleaned up your property to reduce fire risk, you still have some options," he said.

"You may use a fortnightly green waste bin to get rid of excess vegetation. I encourage residents to make the most of their bundled branches collection. The bundled branches collection starts Monday 26 November and runs for three weeks.

"It’s important to remember that maintaining your property and keeping it fire safe means regularly cleaning up throughout the year and especially during the fire danger season.

"Having a clean property means safer neighbourhoods and communities."

During the collection period, residents can put out:

•             Up to 20 bundles of branches (3 cubic metres). Maximum of 1.5m long and 200mm diameter

•             Tree limbs (75mm – 200mm diameter) - straight clean logs with side branches removed. Maximum of 1.5m long

•             Branches (up to 75mm diameter) tied with non-plastic string. Maximum of 1.5m long

Courtesy letters have been sent to residents across the Yarra Ranges who received a Fire Prevention Notice last year, reminding them that now is a critical time to prepare properties for the fire season.

Council Fire Prevention Officers will be inspecting properties across the Yarra Ranges over the coming months starting in November, as part of Council’s Fire Hazard Inspection Program.

Meanwhile, Council has begun its annual roadside slashing program, working to reduce roadside vegetation and weeds that can become fuel in a bush or grass fire.

Please check the CFA website to find out what you can and can’t do on Total Fire Ban days.

Council encourages all residents to have a fire survival plan and to leave early when days with Extreme or Code Red Fire Danger Ratings are forecast. Click here for more information about creating a fire survival plan.

In rare circumstances a Fire Danger Period Permit may be considered by Council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA in extenuating circumstances.

For information about the Fire Danger Period and other tips for preparing your property, visit cfa.vic.gov.au and yrc.vic.gov.au/fireready To check your collection date for the Bundled Branches collection, visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/myneighbourhood