Victoria’s fire season has officially begun, following a hotter and drier start to spring and warmer conditions ahead.

The predicted El Niño weather pattern means Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer than recent years, and communities should begin preparing their properties and creating a Bushfire Survival Plan.

CFA will be introducing Fire Danger Periods (FDP) for Victorian municipalities in the coming months, based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the first FDP declaration was earlier this year, on October 9, which is an indication of what we can expect for the summer ahead.

“While crews are ready to respond and support communities this bushfire season, fire safety is a shared responsibility and we ask Victorians to prepare and know their local risks,” he said.

“Take this opportunity to clean up your property, prepare your bushfire plan with your family and download the VicEmergency app.”

With increased day and night temperatures and lower rainfall than average forecast over coming months, the timing for the early introduction of the Fire Danger Period is necessary.

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.

By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.

To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.