General News
7 April, 2026
Fire Danger Period ends for the Central Goldfields following fire intensive summer
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will officially end at 1 am on Tuesday, April 7 for municipalities throughout District 2, including Central Goldfields Shire.
Following a long and challenging fire season, fire restrictions are beginning to lift throughout District 2, with the CFA urging residents to remain alert as the current and continued conditions can still lead to fast moving grass fires even in cooler weather.
Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to remain vigilant and to check the FDP dates that are in place in the region they are residing.
Originally planned to end at the beginning of May in the Central Goldfields, CFA Goldfields Group Officer Peter Higgins said recent rain in the region has prompted the decision to bring the date earlier.
“They can change it, due to weather, a rain event or low vegetation growth, this can change. Some of the considerations are being aware of agricultural burns already taking place, or the curing of grass. From the forest areas still being dry, or the amount of dew in the morning, they all come into consideration,” he said.
“If we hadn’t had the recent rain, [the FDP] would have gone through to May, and most of the problem areas locally have had that 90 to 130 ml of rain.”
Mr Higgins also said there has been a high consideration to lift restrictions as planned burns have already started across the region.
“So, most of the municipalities have agreed to April 7, it gives farmers a chance to burn-off legally, still being aware of what the requirements are, and getting those crops into the ground,” he said.
With the end of the FDP in place, some landowners may choose to resume burn-offs, but it’s essential to take precautions and ensure conditions are safe before proceeding.
“[Conditions in each shire] are all very similar. So landowners still need to be careful, just because restrictions are off, that doesn’t give them the chance to be negligent when undertaking agricultural burns,” Mr Higgins said.
To prevent unnecessary emergency call outs, 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.
Where possible, landowners should also notify neighbours and those nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.
With the Easter long weekend over, residents who aren’t undertaking burn-offs are advised to now consider fire hazards inside the home.
“Get your chimneys cleaned, get your fire places cleaned, be vigilant about it and be safe. It is very important, to check your gas and check your smoke alarms,” he said.
“Also check your heating systems for the silent killer, carbon monoxide poisoning, do those checks now and if you think there is anything wrong, now is the time to fix it.
“Just be careful, maintain your property, with the way the year is running we will be in next FDP before we know.”
The CFA and EPA advise residents to follow the points outlined on the 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 Triple Zero (000) immediately.
For tips on protecting your health from smoke, visit the EPA Victoria website.
The FDP will also end on Tuesday, April 7 for Mount Alexander Shire, on Monday, April 13 for Hepburn Shire and both the North and South regions of the Pyrenees Shire.
Fire restrictions have already ended in the Loddon Shire.
Burn-offs can be registered online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.