Fire Danger Period for Gannawarra begins 21 October 2019

Published on 16 October 2019

The Fire Danger Period for the Gannawarra Shire will come into effect at 1am on Monday, 21 October 2019.

Determined using Seasonal Bushfire Outlook data and vegetation growth, the Fire Danger Period is the period when the Country Fire Authority restricts the use of fire in the community to help prevent fires from starting.

“During the Fire Danger Period, fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can result in a fine of up to $19,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment. Barbecues and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces.

“The use of an incinerator, chainsaw, lawnmower, welding or grinding equipment, vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/heat engine are permitted provided conditions are followed.”

Fire permits can be obtained by contacting the CFA District 20 headquarters on (03) 5450 9400.

“In addition to the Fire Danger Period, separate Total Fire Ban declarations can be made which will mean no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day. This is irrespective of whether the Fire Danger Period has been introduced in a municipality or not,” Mayor Learmonth said.

The Fire Danger Period will end on 1 May 2020 unless otherwise stated.

For more information, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/fires