A Fire Danger Period is declared by the CFA when the threat or potential for wild fire is increased due to various warm weather conditions such asextreme heat and strong winds. Once declared, restrictions for open air fires stay in place until 30 April, or unless stated otherwise.

Total Fire Ban: What does it mean for residents?

• Total Fire Bans are declared on days when the danger of fires occurring is extremely high and when fire would be expected to develop rapidly and become difficult to control.
• If you witness burning off on a total fire ban day phone Police on 000 to report it.

Can I use my electric barbecue during total fire ban days?

Electric or gas barbecues are permitted for use at home:

• When the barbecue is located within 20 metres of a permanent dwelling
• When an area of three metres around and above the barbecue is completely cleared of all flammable material
• When a barbecue is supervised by an adult
• When a water supply has been identified and is accessible, such as a tap with a hose connected, and at least 10 litres of water on hand in case of an emergency

Open air fires and solid fuel barbecues are NOT permitted during a total fire ban

• All burning off and open air fires are prohibited including solid fuel barbecues and ovens that use wood, charcoal, heat beads or briquettes. Burning off permits issued by Council are immediatley revoked.

Are barbecues permitted?
Woodfired barbecues are permitted:

• Only on non total fire ban days
• When an area of three metres around and above the barbecue is completely cleared of all flammable material, and not within 7.5 metres of any log or stump.
• When the barbecue is supervised by an adult
• When the wind speed is less than 10 kilometres per hour
• When a water supply has been identified and accessible

Can you burn off during the fire danger period?

• A written permit from Frankston City's Fire Prevention Offier is available for residents wishing to burn off grass, scrub, or rubbish. Residents are urged to comply with all conditions and precautions set out in the permit and can seek the assistance of the Fire Prevention Officer if required.
• Frequently Asked Questions on burning off

For further information contact Frankston City's Fire Prevention Officer on 1300 322 322 or visitthe Web sites of the Country Fire Authority http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au and the Department of Sustainability and Environment http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires/.