Fire bans in place

THE official Fire Danger Period is now in effect in Dandenong.
The CFA declared it active from 1am on Monday 7 January, so fires now cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from the CFA or City of Greater Dandenong council.
The period takes into account fuel moisture, fuel loads, grassland curing, weather and rainfall.
“Fire restrictions are in place for a very good reason – to prevent fires from starting,” CFA southern metropolitan region director Peter Schmidt said.
“Preventing fires is something that every member of the community should see as their responsibility.”
Mr Schmidt said living in a grassland area with dried-out grass over 10 centimetres high was a significant risk to people, dwellings and infrastructure.
“Grassfires should not be underestimated – they travel faster than you can run and can kill,” he said.
To find out more visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au.