Community
9 April, 2026
Uptick in illegal burns sparks warning
A WARNING has been issued for residents to adhere to the Fire Danger Period (FDP) following an increase in turnouts to a number of illegal burns.
Country Fire Authority (CFA) Mortlake Group deputy group officer Tony Spoore said volunteers in recent weeks have been called to a number of unregistered burn offs, which have the potential to get out of control while conditions remain dry under the FDP.
“The weather has changed a little bit – it’s a bit cooler and we’ve had some rain so the grass has greened up a little bit,” he said.
“People are thinking that it’s safe to light a fire but it isn’t – we are still in the FDP.
“Until the FDP is lifted, the restrictions on burning off still apply.”
The FDP is not expected to be lifted across the region, including both Moyne and Corangamite shires, until the beginning of May due to the ongoing dry conditions.
While under the FDP, the use of fire is restricted due to the potential for bushfires to start.
Burn offs are prohibited under the FDP unless a permit has been issued and strict conditions are applied.
Mr Spoore said unregistered burns under the FDP not only have the potential to spark dangerous bushfires, but the callouts also increase the strain on volunteers.
“From a brigade point of view, we’re getting paged at 9pm-10pm when our members are getting ready to go to bed because someone has lit a bonfire thinking it is okay,” he said.
“It’s easy enough to find when restrictions will be lifted – it will be announced, posted to social media – the Moyne Shire Council and CFA will make sure people know.
“Until then, people just have to wait until they know the restrictions have been lifted.
“If anyone has any issues they can make a phone call or look it up online – it saves us a whole lot of hassle.”
Mr Spoore said fines could apply for anyone found to have held an illegal burn off during the FDP.
A fine for starting an open-air fire without a permit during the FDP can range anywhere from $500 to more than $10,000, and can even carry up to 12 months’ imprisonment.
“We’re pretty good, we try to be understanding in just warning people and putting the fire out to make sure it’s safe, but fines can apply,” Mr Spoore said.
“If a bonfire gets away from you and it causes a large-scale grassfire or bushfire, that’s a big problem you’ll have to face.
“We want people to be careful, for their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others, by remaining compliant with the FDP.”
For more information or to apply for a burn off permit visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au.