FIRE restrictions will begin in Loddon communities from the start of November.
The Country Fire Authority on Monday said low early spring rainfall across the region had triggered early restrictions in Loddon, Gannawarra and Campaspe Shires.
“Most of you will have noticed as the weather warms, the grasses and forests start to dry out and create a fire hazard for our communities,” said the CFA’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mick Sporton.
“The rate of curing at present is quite alarming at how quickly things are drying out.
“There has been less rainfall in many parts of District 20 in the first month of spring with sub soil moisture only penetrating 10cm into the ground. 
“Spring winds and warm temperatures will dry out the moisture from the soil leaving us with a potentially dangerous fire season ahead.”
Spring is a common time for landowners to take advantage of the favourable weather conditions to conduct burning off activities. After the Fire Danger Period is declared, you will require a permit to burn off.
Mr Sporton said the Fire Permits Victoria website was the preferred platform for community members to register their burns.    
“Registering your burn-off allows emergency services to verify the fire is not an emergency before unnecessarily calling out local brigades,” Mr Sporton said. 
“It also allows us to display burn-offs on the CFA website so the public can see where a burn-off is taking place, preventing needless calls to Triple Zero (000). 
“Over the past year, CFA responded to nearly 900 escaped burn-offs, which used around 19,000 hours of our volunteers’ time.  Please don’t leave your burn-off unattended and only burn off when conditions are favourable.”
The website allows people to notify emergency services of their burn-off, and check and apply for a permit, if necessary.   
However, if the burn is taking place within the next two hours, it must be registered by phoning on 1800 668 511.
Burn off tips include”
Follow regulations or laws by CFA and local council.  
Notify your neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke.  
Check the weather forecast for the day of the activity and a few days afterward.  
Postpone your activity if high fire risk conditions develop.  
Establish a gap in vegetation or fire break of no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material.  
Have enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.
Never leave a burn-off unattended.