All fired up: Campaspe and Loddon fire danger period ends on Monday

Mr Amos said although there would be reduced risk in grasslands and forests, people still needed to be “super aware” that dates on a calendar did not mean we still could not have dangerous fires starting and spreading rapidly.

Mr Amos said although District 20 had been fairly lucky through the summer, there had still been enough paddock fires caused by a variety of reasons to show the risk that was always there.

He said while winter may alleviate the danger, between now and then farm burn-offs would be a challenge.

“We have attended an incredible range of fires in the past three months — from a hay truck and its load destroyed while driving down the road to a series of spontaneous combustion events in big haystacks,” he said.

“There were some lightning strikes, too; but the most inexcusable occasion came when people set off a mass of fireworks about 2am on New Year’s Day and started a potentially serious fire in a suburban street.

“The job was even more dangerous for our volunteer members because as we were getting into the trees that were burning another lot of fireworks abandoned in the bush went off and we had people ducking for cover everywhere.”

Mr Amos said there were not many house fires, but strongly recommended people to use the end of daylight saving time on April 3 as their annual reminder to change their in-home smoke alarm batteries.

He also thanked the wider Echuca community for its support during the high-danger period, saying there were fewer callouts for easily avoided fires, such as properly set up and supervised campfires.

“By and large everyone who lives up here really understands how easily fires can start and how much damage can be done by the time the brigade arrives—we saw that with the destruction of a double decker bus at a local caravan park recently,” Mr Amos said.

“That could have been much worse, but the occupants got safely clear before the flames took hold.

“Finally, we would like to remind anyone considering a burn-off to check the CFA website for the best advice and relevant information about regulations and permits.

“Registering your burn-off ensures if somebody reports smoke, the incident will be cross-checked with the burn-off register, which will then prevent volunteer firefighters being taken away from workplaces, families and potentially genuine emergencies.”

You can register burn-offs at 1800 668 511 and get more details from cfa.vic.gov.au/can or firepermits.vic.gov.au

According to the latest Australian Seasonal Outlook, higher rainfall totals have resulted in below-average fire conditions, with reduced fire activity in grasslands and forests this summer.

Much of Victoria will continue to experience average rainfall over the coming months, however, temperatures are predicted to be warmer than normal, particularly in the western parts of the state.

CFA District 20 assistant chief fire officer Steve Pitcher said while the FDP was coming to an end in some areas, it was still important to remain vigilant.

“We’re urging everyone to stay safe, whether you’re living in or travelling to high bushfire-risk areas,” he said.

“Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk.”