General News
14 November, 2025
Fire Danger Period will commence on Monday for Central Goldfields Shire
With the Fire Danger Period (FDP) slowly rolling in to local government areas across the state, restrictions will commence in the Central Goldfields Shire at 1 am on Monday, November 17.
Residents are encouraged to use this time to prepare their properties ahead of restrictions commencing.
CFA’s Goldfields Group Officer Peter Higgins said there are still many provisions residents can take to protect their homes in the event of serious fire conditions.
“We’ve had plenty of time, but moving forward, you can still do clean ups without burning. That might mean putting in mineral earth brakes, raking up dead leaves, and taking away your green waste. There are other ways to keep your house and property clean,” he said.
“Buy yourself a super soaker. Super soakers are absolutely magnificent at getting spot fires, so keep it somewhere handy. Keep buckets of water at the front and back door. It’s all simple stuff.
“Use the VicEmergency app, very simple, very easy to get onto, if there is a fire in your area, you’ll get an alert. Have the ABC radio and the TV on.”
With summer just weeks away, Mr Higgins said conditions in the region are already getting dryer again.
“The forested areas are terribly dry. I know we have had a bit of rain but once a bit of heat gets into the ground and starts drying things up, the seasonal grass will cure,” he said.
During the FDP, many restric-tions will be in place for fire and machinery related activities including burning off, welding, operating farming tools or lighting a camp fire.
Residents cannot conduct these activities without a permit or following strict conditions outlined by the CFA.
“You are going to need to ring the VicEmergency hotline. You can still have electric barbecues, but against a brick wall so if something happens, fire is not going to spread,” Mr Higgins said.
“Or if you’re going to invite the mates around, have some cold
meats and salads instead of the barbecue.”
No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment.
“There will be zero tolerance once the fire danger period comes in, and the fines are pretty harsh,” Mr Higgins said.
By residents registering their burn-offs online, this will allocate more time taking calls from those who may need emergency assistance immediately.
Restrictions are already in force in the Loddon and Pyrenees shires, with the FDP period beginning last Monday, November 10.
The FDP will commence in the Hepburn Shire on Monday, November 24.
Across all local government areas in the state, the FDP will be in force until May 1, 2026.
More information on what residents can and can’t do during the FDP can be found at www.cfa.gov.au/can or by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 18000 226 226.