Learn about dealing with Fires, Fire Prevention and Preparedness.
Victoria remains one of the most bush fire prone environments in the world and has faced many devasting fires throughout its history.
Mansfield’s geographic setting, topography, environment, ecosystem and climate are all factors increasing the risk of serious fires.
Find out more about Victorian major fire history
Fire Weather District
Victoria is divided into nine Fire Weather Districts based on Council Boundaries, Mansfield Shire is located in the North East Fire District. To view details on the different fire districts in the state visit Fire Weather District.
Fire Danger Ratings
Fire Danger ratings are a system of colour coded warnings designed to inform the public of how dangerous a fire could be if one started. Each fire danger rating has a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk in a fire danger period. A more detailed description of the fire danger ratings can be found at Fire Danger Ratings
Fire Danger Forecast
The CFA maintains a four-day forecast indicating the Fire Danger Rating for that period, this enables us to plan ahead during the fire season. To see what the four-day fire forecast is in your area, visit Fire Danger Forecast webpage where it will give you a detailed forecast for your specific location
By recognising and understanding your risk environment will assist you to prepare for the occurrence of fire. Having and knowing your fire plan will increase your chances of survival.
Plan and Prepare
Fire Ready Kit
Bushfire Plan Template
Red Cross Rediplan
Are You Prepared for an Emergency
First 72 Brochure
Open air burning off is controlled within the Mansfield Shire through the Local Laws. All burn off activities should be registered via the link below to ensure unnecessary deployment of CFA resources. Restrictions may apply depending on your land zoning.
Open air burning off is prohibited during the Fire Danger Period within Mansfield Shire, unless a valid permit is issued by the CFA. Council will generally not issue a permit during these times.
Council Permit Application (Local Laws Permit)
CFA Issued Permits
Register your Burn
The Fire Danger Period is when the CFA restricts the use of fire in the community. This is to help prevent fires from starting. The CFA declares the Fire Danger Period for each of the nine Fire Districts at different times leading into the fire season. This is dependent upon the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and other local factors.
Fire Danger Period
What I can and can’t do during a Fire Danger Period and days of Total Fire Ban
As part of the Mansfield Planning Scheme, the Bushfire Management Overlay identifies areas where bushfire hazard warrants bush fire protection measures to be implemented. The purpose of the overlay is to ensure that development of land prioritises the protection of human life and strengthens community resilience to bushfire. To find out if your property is in a Bushfire Management Overlay, visit VicPlan, the state-wide mapping service.
In most circumstances the removal of vegetation will require Council permission. There are certain exemptions specific to the clearing of vegetation in relation to maintaining a defendable space for bushfire protection.
To find out more about vegetation removal and exemption click on the link below.
Vegetation removal rules and information
Residents who live OUTSIDE of Residential, Business and Industrial Zones are permitted to burn off dry vegetation waste.
For more information on how to burn off safely, go to the CFA website. If you are situated in Residential, Business and Industrial Zones, you must apply to Council for a permit to burn off. Fires for heating and cooking (campfires, fire pits) may be lit in properly constructed fire pits.
Plan and Prepare this Fire Season brochure(PDF, 6MB)
Council carries out property inspections for fire hazards during the commencement of the fire danger period, usually at the start of November, and issues fire prevention notices for the clearing of non-complying properties.
To satisfy the inspection, you must meet legal obligations:
- Grass and undergrowth to be kept under 100mm high for at least 25m around assets.
- Grass/weeds, leaf litter and similar flammable material around buildings must be removed.
- Trees should not overhang buildings. This preparation gives your assets a chance of survival.
- For rural and rural residential allotments, a 25m wide mown, slashed or heavily grazed area around houses and sheds, and fuel reduced along boundaries is required (and 25m clearance to neighbour’s assets).
- Fire hazards will continue to be monitored and appropriate action needs to be undertaken by all property owners to maintain their allotment throughout the declared fire danger period.
Where works are not completed within the time frame nominated on a Fire Direction notice, Council will arrange for the works to be done and invoice the owner. An on-the spot infringement of $1,849 will also be issued.
If you are unable to complete the works yourself, Council has compiled a list of contractors that operate in the area that may be able to assist you.
When managing clippings, pruned branches and fine fuels, please note no burning off is allowed in any residential, business or industrial zones without a permit. Permits are not able to be obtained during the fire danger period.
No burnoffs are allowed during a fire danger period without a permit (from Council or CFA).
Remember that being prepared for the fire season requires ongoing works such as managing any re-growth. Your preparation must, however, extend beyond just the fuel load – refer to the CFA website.
Please also consider how you can help others in your community with their preparation.
Contact Council if you believe your neighbour or others have not complied and need a reminder.
For more information about the fire danger period, fire prevention or Fire Prevention Notices, please contact the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer on 03 5775 8555 or refer to the Preparing for the Fire Season Advice flyer above.
There is extensive fire planning and prevention information on the CFA website, including their pamphlet that details requirements for solid BBQs, open fires, camp fires, use of farm machinery, welding and grinding and other activities.
Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSP’s) are places of last resort, to provide shelter during the passage of fire, when all other plans have failed. They are not to be considered as options to relocate to when the decision to leave early has been made. Safety and survival cannot be guaranteed at NSPs and there are no proposals to offer support or services. They will offer the minimum protection against radiant heat and embers. Road hazards, prevailing conditions and driving to NSPs may pose a significant risk that must be considered in your planning. For more information visit Mansfield Shire Places of Last Resort webpage.
Find information relating to the planning and construction of a private Bushfire shelter on your property.
Bushfire Shelters