Fire Safety

Fire Safety Information 

Fire Restrictions

Fire Restrictions can be applied across most areas of Victoria by CFA, when fire danger is high. Typically this is over the summer period of November through to April. Restrictions are applied in small areas at a time.

Lighting fires during the Fire Danger Period

Extreme caution is necessary throughout the Fire Danger Period because dry vegetation and hot weather increase the risk of fires accidentally igniting and spreading.

Fires in the open air are restricted throughout the Fire Danger Period

A general prohibition applies to the lighting of fires except when:

• A permit has been issued. 
• The fire is lit for cooking or warmth, subject to certain conditions
• Burning refuse in an incinerator
• Welding, cutting or grinding subject to conditions
• Fire is used for other industrial purposes subject to conditions

Can I or Can't I? is an information sheet which explains these restrictions in more detail.

Note: Local municipalities may also place restrictions on lighting fires.

Lighting fires outside the declared Fire Danger Period

Although CFA places no restrictions on the lighting of fires in the open air during this time, lighting of fires may be fully or partly restricted under legislation and bylaws administered by municipalities and Department of Sustainability and Environment. Contact them for details.

How do I obtain a permit for activity during the Fire Danger Period?

Note: Permits are NOT VALID on a day of TOTAL FIRE BAN

Permits to burn during the Fire Danger Period under the CFA Act are generally issued by local municipalities and may be subject to additional requirements imposed by that municipality. These permits generally apply to the burning of grass, scrub and other vegetation for essential agricultural and industrial purposes.

Permits for lighting fires for other purposes, for example industrial burning, cutting etc, must be obtained from CFA. 

• As a fire front approaches it will become unsafe to be either on foot or in a car - radiant heat from the fire will be too intense.
• Residents should avoid being exposed to radiant heat at all costs, and should make use of structures like their homes to shelter as the fire front passes.
  
• After the fire front passes residents should expect that embers (burning twigs and leaves) from the fire may continue to arrive for several hours and should not lessen their work to protect their homes.
  
• Residents should continue to patrol their homes and check inside roof spaces, in under-floor spaces and areas where leaves currently collect to ensure that nothing is burning.
  
• All drivers are advised to exercise caution on roads due to possible smoke and other hazards. Drivers should also be alert for fire vehicles on roads.
  
• For fire information updates, listen to local ABC Radio or other local station, or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 (See Below)
  
  

Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL)

CFA in partnership with Department of Sustainability & Environment (DSE) has established a bushfire information line to provide the community with a wide range of information about bushfires.

The Victorian Bushfire Information Line aims to:

• Provide timely information to the community during significant incidents
• Assist the community to prepare for wildfire risk
  
• Provide information regarding fire restrictions, Total Fire Bans and DSE prescribed burns.
  

The line offers personal advice from operators as well as a range of useful recorded information.

The number for the Victorian Bushfire Information Line is 1800 240 667.

Callers who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment may call the Victorian Bushfire Information Hotline through the National Relay Service using a modem or textphone/teletypewriter (TTY) by dialling 1800 555 677 then asking for 1800 240 667.