Victoria is on high alert, bracing for what authorities warn could be its most perilous bushfire season since the devastating Black Saturday fires. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) is predicting conditions eerily similar to those experienced in the lead-up to the 2008 and 2009 fire disasters.
Imminent Fire Restrictions for Key Regions
In a decisive move to mitigate the escalating risk, fire restrictions will be imposed across hundreds of thousands of properties, commencing sooner than many may have anticipated. The first wave of restrictions takes effect this Sunday, directly impacting residents in the council areas of Casey, Frankston, Greater Bendigo, Greater Dandenong, and the Mornington Peninsula.
A second, broader wave of restrictions will follow on Sunday, November 24. This will extend the rules to the municipalities of Greater Geelong, Whittlesea, Wyndham, Ballarat, Banyule, Hume, and Nillumbik.
What the Fire Restrictions Mean for You
Under the declared restrictions, the community must adhere to strict safety protocols. Lighting a campfire or conducting burn-offs will be completely prohibited without a specific permit.
The use of barbecues is still permitted, but only under stringent conditions. Residents can only fire up their barbecues if wind speeds remain below 10km/h. Furthermore, a clear safety zone of three metres must be maintained around the barbecue, free of any flammable materials such as dry grass, leaves, or wood.
The early and widespread implementation of these rules underscores the serious threat facing the state this summer. Victorians are urged to stay informed, prepare their properties, and strictly follow all CFA advice to ensure community safety.
