07/04/2026
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will officially end at 1.00am on Monday, 13 April in the following municipalities within CFA’s District 7, 15, and 16.
▪️City of Ballarat
▪️Hepburn Shire Council
▪️Moorabool Shire Council
▪️Northern Grampians Shire Council
▪️Pyrenees Shire Council
▪️Ararat Rural City Council
▪️Borough of Queenscliff
▪️City of Greater Geelong
▪️Golden Plains Shire Council
▪️Surf Coast Shire Council
As restrictions lift, CFA is urging residents to remain fire-aware, with dry autumn conditions and strong winds still capable of producing fast-moving grassfires.
CFA West Region Deputy Chief Officer Steve Alcock said improving conditions across the region have allowed for restrictions to ease.
“Cooler temperatures and some rainfall in parts of these districts have helped reduce the overall risk,” Steve said.
“While this allows landowners to clean up their properties and those in agriculture to carry out essential works, it’s important that people don’t become complacent.
“There is still dry vegetation across the landscape, and fires can spread quickly if they’re not properly managed.
“Conditions can change quickly on hot, dry and windy days, so it’s important to monitor the forecast and plan accordingly.”
Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to check the Fire Danger Period status in their destination and remain vigilant.
With the FDP ending in these areas, some landowners may choose to resume burn-offs. However, CFA District 7 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Wayne Aylmer said it is essential to ensure conditions are safe before proceeding.
“If you’re planning a burn-off, make sure you check local conditions, register it, and follow local council laws and regulations,” Wayne said.
“Registering your burn-off means that if smoke is reported, it can be quickly cross-checked, helping to avoid unnecessary call-outs for CFA crews.”
To prevent unnecessary emergency callouts, all burn-offs must be registered. If smoke or fire is reported, it will be cross-checked with the register to avoid an emergency response.
Burn-offs can be registered online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.
Where possible, landowners should also notify neighbours and anyone nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.
Burn-off safety checklist
▪️Check fire restrictions in your area and register your burn-off.
▪️Monitor weather conditions, especially wind.
▪️Notify neighbours to prevent unnecessary emergency calls.
▪️Maintain a three-metre firebreak, clear of flammable materials.
▪️Have enough equipment and water to contain the fire.
▪️Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay until it is fully extinguished.
▪️If your burn-off gets out of control, call 000 immediately.
For tips on protecting your health from smoke, visit the EPA Victoria website.
