Victoria’s fire season will officially begin next week with the introduction of the first fire restrictions in parts of the State’s southeast.  

The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will commence at 1am on Monday, 5 October 2026 for the following municipalities:   

• Wellington Shire Council  
• East Gippsland Shire Council   

Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM said the beginning of the fire season should serve as a reminder to everyone that now is the time to get prepared.  

“This year’s fire season comes two weeks earlier than the beginning of the 2025/26 fire season,” Jason said.  

“Conditions are exceptionally dry and CFA is preparing for another challenging fire season. 

“As predicted in the AFAC Spring Outlook, East Gippsland has an above average risk for fires so it’s important to start these restrictions now. 

“We ask Victorians to do their part in making sure they are ready by preparing their properties and having a fire plan.” 

CFA Deputy Chief Officer for the South East region, Trevor Owen said the early introduction of the FDP was partly due to an increase in escaped private burn off activity.  

“We have already seen a large fire recently in Seacombe which serves as a good reminder not to become complacent, a fire can happen anywhere,” Trevor said.  

“There are very high fuel loads in these areas along with very low soil moisture which means the landscape is primed for fire. 

“We know people might be seeing green grass in the area however; this is superficial due to overnight dew and light rain. There has been significant rain deficit in the region across winter and autumn which has significantly added to the fire risk.” 

Residents in these areas are encouraged to use this time to prepare their properties which includes cleaning up dry grass, leaves, and other flammable materials, as well as completing safe private burn-offs while they are still permitted.      

For more information on preparing your property and understanding local fire restrictions, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/prepare.  

To avoid unnecessary callouts for emergency services this spring, residents are urged to register their burn-off activities on the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au/notify. 

If for any reason you need to start your burn-off immediately (within two hours), you can still register by calling 1800 668 511. 

Fire Danger Period (FDP) information:  

• During a FDP, a written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au.  
• Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can  
• Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms  
• More information about FDPs is available online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod  
• 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.