General News
1 November, 2025
Fire Danger Period dates announced
The CFA has announced the beginning of the Fire Danger Period for municipalities in the region.
For the Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack shire councils, the Fire Danger Period will commence at 1am Monday, November 3.
A week later, the Fire Danger period will commence at 1am on Monday, November 10, for the Horsham Rural City, Buloke, West Wimmera, Northern Grampians and Pyrenees municipalities.
Residents in these areas are encouraged to use this time to prepare their properties ahead of the Fire Danger Period.
This includes cleaning up dry grass, leaves, and other flammable materials, as well as completing safe private burn-offs while they are still permitted.
Acting deputy chief officer for the west region, Steven Alcock, said with temperatures starting to increase it was important to be prepared for the fire season.
“There has been very rapid drying and curing of grasslands,” he said.
“This means there is lots of dry fuel which would sustain fires.
“There is above-average fire potential, and we are urging those in Northern Grampians and Pyrenees to ensure they have their properties prepared and have a bushfire plan in place.”
Deputy chief officer for the north west region, Trevor Weston, stressed the importance of taking early action as conditions continue to dry across the region.
“Now is the time for residents to act by clearing around their homes and ensuring any private burn-offs are completed safely before restrictions come into effect,” he said.
“Even though grasslands might still look green in some areas, the ground underneath is much drier than in previous years, which makes fires more likely to spread.
“After much consultation, there was strong support for introducing the fire danger period now to keep our communities as safe as possible.”
For more information on preparing your property and understanding local fire restrictions, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au.
Those making burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling 1800 668 511.
By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time to taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.
No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP.
You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au
Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment.
For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can
Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms
More information about FDPs is available online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod
To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.