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Declared Fire Season and Total Fire Ban Days

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.

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Year-round restrictions

Residents must ensure that all grass, weeds and scrub on their property are less than 10cm high.

Total Fire Ban days

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:

  • campfires
  • barbecues fuelled by wood, charcoal or briquettes
  • outdoor ovens
  • burning off grass or rubbish

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:

  • use gas or electricity for fuel
  • locate it within 20 metres of a permanent dwelling (caravans, tents and mobile homes are not classified as permanent dwellings)
  • have a hose connected to a water supply nearby and ready for use
  • completely clear all flammable material from the 3 metre area around and above the barbecue
  • ensure a supervising adult is present while the fire is lit
  • have at least 10 litres of water available in case of an emergency

We also advise against all non-essential work, using:

  • chainsaws
  • plant trimmers
  • lawnmowers/slashers
  • welding or grinding tools

For more information about essential work, visit the CFA website.

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