THE Country Fire Association (CFA) advises that the fire danger period started on 12 November and will remain in force until 1 May 2008.
CFA region 14 covers the municipalities of Wyndham, Melton, Macedon Ranges, Hume, Banyule, Mitchell, Moorabool, Nilumbik and Whittlesea.
The introduction of the fire danger period means that no fires may be lit in the open without a permit.
Applications for permits to burn should be made to the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.
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.
CFA manager community safety James Fox said illegally lit fires were often started without consideration of the weather conditions and without the required controls in place to manage the fire.
Fires lit without the appropriate permit will be referred to the police for prosecution.
For more information regarding what you can or can’t do during the fire danger period, visit the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au.
