Fire Danger Period for Frankston City - December 2020

Please note the Fire Danger Period (FDP) for Frankston City commences 1am  Monday 14 December 2020.

The latest Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Victoria, released on 26 November, identified due to significant grass growth, 2020/21 has the potential to be more of a grassfire-dominated season. It indicates that Victoria is likely to experience a less severe bushfire season this summer compared to last summer – particularly in the east of the state.

The outlook is due to average to above average rainfall during spring, combined with an outlook of above average rainfall for much of Victoria from December to February, particularly across the northern parts and mountain regions, due to the influence of La Niña. Considering the outlook and current conditions, the fire season has the potential to be a grassfire-dominated season, with shorter-duration fires in grass and dry forests during hotter and windier days.

What has council done to prepare for this summer season: Maintenance of all reserves, including high, moderate and low priority reserves has been completed as per fire management prescriptions, all reserves will be maintained to these prescriptions through-out the Fire Danger Period . Approximately 1,000 properties have been inspected and Fire Prevention Notices have been issued to residents where a fire hazard was detected by Council’s Compliance Officers final inspections have been completed, those that failed to comply will receive infringements and compulsory clearing will be completed by Council by 23 December. Council’s Compliance, Fire Prevention and Natural Reserves Departments have been working with Victoria Police to curb arson in Council reserves. Council has 13 trained Fire Prevention Officers, to assist our community. A dedicated Assistant Municipal Fire Prevention Officer has been appointed (2020/2021 only) A Code Red Policy has been developed to assist staff in the event of a Code Red Alert Day. Work continues in all of Councils Natural Reserves to finalise fire breaks. What is the Fire Danger Period (FDP)

The Fire Danger Period is when CFA restricts the use of fire in the community. This is to help prevent fires from starting.

More information can be found here: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/about-the-fire-danger-period

When will the Fire Danger Period start and finish?

The Fire Danger Period will commence in Frankston on 14/12/2020

CFA declares the Fire Danger Period for each municipality (shire or council) at different times in the lead up to the fire season. It depends on the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and other local conditions.

The Fire Danger Period may be declared as early as October in some municipalities, and typically remains in place until the fire danger lessens, which could be as late as May.

What changes once the Fire Danger Period is declared?

The fire danger period places a number of restrictions in the way machinery is used and other fire related activities. For a full list of what you can and can’t do during the fire danger period and on days of total fire ban visit: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can/ . The Fire Danger Period is applicable to both CFA & Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) areas of the Frankston municipality.

Burning Off:

During the declared fire danger period, open air burning without a permit is a criminal matter, people should report illegal burning to Victoria Police or CFA by calling 000. Permits expired in the City of Frankston on the 30th of November 2020 after the 14th of December all burning off complaints should be referred to Police or CFA / FRV as Council officers are not authorised under this section of the CFA & FRV Act

Plan & Prepare:

The best way to be prepared this fire season is to make sure you have a fire plan. It is also important that your friends and loved ones are aware of your fire plan. For more information on how to prepare visit: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=i0WMlmsH6_U&list=UUsBR4kA-B719KAm4HFQ0mew&index=34

Stay Informed:

To keep updated with current fire emergencies you can do the following:

Visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au Download the Vic Emergency App from the Apple or Android App stores. Call the VicEmergency Hotline: 1800-226-226 Listen to ABC radio. News Listing