Fire restrictions vary throughout the year depending on whether or not it is a Declared Fire Season or a Total Fire Ban day. Find up-to-date information on the Vic Emergency website.
Residents must ensure that all grass, weeds and scrub on their property are less than 10cm high.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the Municipal Fire Prevention Officers for the fire district analyse the risk of fire and declare a Fire Season (Fire Danger Period). The Chief Fire Officer for the CFA will declare a Total Fire Ban day when the fire risk is high.
The 2019/20 Declared Fire Season will officially begin on Monday 9 December 2019.
Lighting fires without a permit in a Declared Fire Season is extremely dangerous and will attract severe penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment.
You can still have a gas or electric barbecue during this time as long as you do the following:
The CFA declares Total Fire Ban days and announces them the previous night, through all major media outlets. These are days of extreme fire danger with high temperatures and strong winds.
On days of high fire danger, stay informed by listening to ABC 774 or local regional radio.
If travelling on days of high fire danger, listen to the radio and avoid driving in long grass.
You can also contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on 1800 240 667 to find out about any fires in the area on the day.
On Total Fire Ban days, you must not light any fires, or allow them to remain lit. This includes:
You can still use public barbecues, because all the barbecues within our parks are electric and designed for safety. They are located in cleared areas and automatically turn off after 15 minutes of use.
You can still use a portable stove if you follow these strict conditions:
We also advise against all non-essential work, using:
For more information about essential work, visit the CFA website.
It is illegal to set off fireworks in a public place without first obtaining a fireworks permit from Council and the Victorian WorkCover Authority.
We may issue a permit as long as it meets certain conditions.
To apply for a fireworks permit, download and complete the Fireworks permit application form.