CFA Region 14 is reminding residents that the Fire Danger Period for the municipalities of Wyndham, Melton, Macedon Ranges, Hume, Mitchell, Moorabool and Whittlesea remains in force until Friday 1 May 2009.

Region 14 Operations Manager Peter Orchard said smoke from recent DSE burns had prompted calls to the CFA as to whether the fire danger period had ended.

“The Fire Danger Period officially ends at 0100 hours on Friday 1 May 2009. Until then, fires cannot be lit in the open air without a permit and applications for permits to burn are to be made to the local Municipal Fire Prevention Officer,” he said.

“The threat of fire is still very real, despite the season we’ve just experienced. Conditions continue to be dry and weather projections indicate warmer weather will continue to persist, with only patchy rainfall.

“Often, illegally lit fires are lit without consideration of the weather conditions and do not have the required controls in place to manage the fire,” said Mr Orchard.

Lighting a fire in the open without a permit during the Fire Danger period is an offence and can bring a penalty of up to $5500 or 12 months imprisonment.

The Fire Danger Danger Period is explained in more detail with the Can I or Can’t I? brochure, downloadable from CFA’s web site (www.cfa.vic.gov.au) or call the Victorian Bushfire Information line on 1800 240 667.

Source: CFA HQ