SUMMER’s official fire danger period started on Monday, coinciding with the week’s predicted high temperatures and dry conditions.

The CFA-announced fire restrictions will last until 1am Monday 1 May and include a ban on any burning off without a permit, including on roadsides.

Lighting fires or solid fuel heaters and barbecues is illegal if a total fire ban day is declared.

Fire danger ratings and total fire ban status of all area with Victoria are available at cfa.vic.gov.au, or by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Mornington Peninsula Shire issued a news release residents should “ensure they are aware of and comply with fire restriction conditions”.

“Lighting of fires during the declared fire danger period should be reported to police by calling triple 000 – the shire cannot enforce open air burning during this time,” the shire stated. “When the risk of bushfire is high, CFA will be on full alert, however it isn’t possible to give personal warnings to every home or person.”

The shire’s advice to keep track of any danger from fires included listening to ABC 774 AM radio, keeping in contact with neighbours, letting others know if you are travelling and having a bushfire survival plan.

Further advice is available from the VicEmergency hotline, 1800 226 226 and check emergency.vic.gov.au for current warnings.

For information on what is allowed and not allowed during the fire danger period and on days of total fire ban visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can.

First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 17 December 2019