SWAN HILL, VIC. — The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will commence at 1am on Monday, November 2, 2026 for the Swan Hill Rural City Council municipality.
Residents in the Swan Hill area are encouraged to use this time to prepare their properties ahead of the Fire Danger Period.
This includes cleaning up dry grass, leaves, and other flammable materials, as well as completing safe private burn-offs while they are still permitted.
CFA District 18 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gavin Wright said residents should make sure they are prepared.
“The Mallee is drying out quickly, with soils across much of the north and west of the district remaining exceptionally dry and grass curing tracking slightly ahead of this time last year,” Gavin said.
“We expect many areas across the Mallee to reach 100 per cent grass curing within the coming weeks.
“Now is the time to tackle any final clean-up work around your property and ensure your bushfire plan is current and ready to go.”
For more information on preparing your property and understanding local fire restrictions, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au.
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling 1800 668 511.
By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time to taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.
No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
Fire Danger Period information
- 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 $24,000 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 call VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
