General News
15 April, 2026
Fire restrictions set to lift
THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) has announced restrictions are set to lift across the south west from next Monday.
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will officially end at 1am on Monday, April 20 in the Corangamite Shire Council local government area.
The end of restrictions was announced after what has been a long and challenging fire season, but the CFA has warned there is still fire risk with several areas remaining dry.
As fire restrictions begin to lift, the CFA has urging residents to remain alert as the current and continued conditions can still lead to grassfires even in cooler weather.
CFA deputy chief officer for the south west region Adrian Gutsche said the easing of restrictions was due to a number of favourable factors in these areas.
“Cooler temperatures and some welcomed rainfall have helped reduce overall fire risk,” he said.
“However, even with milder weather, we still want landowners to take precautions and ensure conditions are safe before burning off, and that someone is in attendance at all times to monitor the burn.
“Registering your burn-off means that if smoke is reported, it can be quickly cross-checked to help avoid unnecessary call-outs for CFA crews.”
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Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to remain vigilant and to check the Fire Danger Periods (FDP) which are in place in the region they are residing.
With the end of the FDP, some landowners may choose to burn-off but are reminded it is essential to take precautions and ensure conditions are safe before proceeding.
To prevent unnecessary emergency callouts, landowners must register their burn-offs. 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 those nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.
The burn-off safety checklist includes checking fire restrictions and registering a burn off, monitoring weather conditions, notifying neighbours to prevent unnecessary callouts, maintaining a three-metre firebreak which is clear of flammable materials and having enough equipment and water to contain the fire.
Those burning off are encouraged to never leave their burn unattended and be willing to call Triple Zero immediately if the burn off gets out of control.