General News
19 February, 2025
CFA pleas for fire safety amid bushfire concerns
AS temperature rise across the region and dry conditions persist, Country Fire Authority (CFA) is reminding the district about the importance of following fire restrictions during the Fire Danger Period (FDP) and Total Fire Ban (TFB) days.
The Fire Danger Period is a designated time in each Victorian municipality when fire restrictions apply due to increased fire risk.
A Total Fire Ban is declared on days of extreme conditions, prohibiting any fires in the open air.
Data released by CFA and the Crime Statistics Agency has revealed between 2019 and 2024, there were 1010 recorded instances of lighting a fire during the FDP and 187 cases of lighting a fire on a TFB day.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the stats are “worrying”.
“Lighting a fire during the FDP and on days of TFB puts lives, homes and emergency responders at risk,” he said.
“If you ignore fire restrictions, you could be facing serious legal repercussions and more importantly, you could be responsible for devastating losses.
“Victoria is already one of the most fire-prone regions in the world, so we certainly don’t need unnecessary challenges created by carelessness or deliberate acts.”
Under the CFA Act, penalties for allowing an open-air fire to escape during a declared FDP can include fines of up to $23,710, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
The penalties double if the escape occurs on a TFB day.
All Victorian municipalities are currently in the FDP.
More information can be found about what is allowed during the FDP by visiting https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-i.
If you see illegal or suspicious fire activity, report it immediately by calling Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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