General News
7 April, 2026
End of fire restrictions
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) officially ended at 1am on Monday, March 30, for Yarriambiack Shire Council (central), Hindmarsh Shire Council and West Wimmera Shire Council (north of the Wimmera Highway including the townships of Edenhope and Apsley).
The northern part of Yarriambiack Shire already ended earlier in the week and Yarriambiack (southern) is set to end today, April 7.
Also waiting for Easter to finish were Horsham and West Wimmera (south).
The long and challenging fire season is drawing to a close as autumn begins to bring cooler weather, but there is still heightened fire risk, with reduced rainfall expected for many more months.
As fire restrictions begin to lift, CFA is urging residents to remain alert as the current and continued conditions can still lead to fast-moving grassfires even in cooler weather.
CFA North East region deputy chief officer, Gavin Thompson said the easing of restrictions was due to a number of favourable factors in some areas.
“Recent fires in these areas have shown less intensity due to some recent rainfall,” he said.
“Nights are becoming increasingly cool, and we are seeing dew in the mornings that further reduces our fire risk.”
CFA West region deputy chief officer, Steve Alcock said while the FDP will end in these municipalities, people are urged to still remain vigilant.
“Even with milder weather we still want landowners to take precautions and ensure conditions are safe before burning off, and that someone is in attendance at all times to monitor the burn,” he said.
“Some of our neighbouring municipalities will still be under FDP restrictions, so it is important to always check your local restrictions before burning off to see if a permit is needed.”
Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to remain vigilant and to check the Fire Danger Periods that are in place in the region they are residing.
With the end of the FDP, some landowners may choose to resume burn-offs, but it’s essential to take precautions and ensure conditions are safe before proceeding.
If smoke or fire is reported, it will be cross-checked with the register to avoid an emergency response.
Burn-offs can be registered online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 668 511.
Where possible, landowners should also notify neighbours and those nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.
Burn-off safety checklist:
• Check fire restrictions in your area and register your burn-off.
• Monitor weather conditions, especially wind.
• Notify neighbours to prevent unnecessary emergency calls.
• Maintain a three-metre firebreak, clear of flammable materials.
• Have enough equipment and water to contain the fire.
• Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay until it is fully extinguished.
• If your burn-off gets out of control, call 000 immediately.
For tips on protecting your health from smoke, visit the EPA Victoria website.