As of Monday, November 22, Fire Danger Period restrictions have been implemented in the Horsham, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and Buloke shires, as well as parts of Yarriambiack.

The fire danger period will see increased restrictions on open fires - however some permitted burning will still be allowed unlike during a Total Fire Ban.

CFA District 17 assistant chief fire officer Mark Gunning said Fire Danger Periods were determined from an assessment of the potential fuels in each region - with the Wimmera and Mallee beginning the period before the rest of the state.

"Each season we review conditions of bush fuels and grass fuels to see when it is dry enough to carry fire that will endanger our communities," he said.

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"As the season starts to warm up, the weather tends to North and South. Our fuels have started to dry out in the last few weeks and we have gotten to the point where many of our fuels will carry fire."

Restrictions include a ban on campfires unless it is within a safe fireplace clear of flammable materials and always attended by an adult with a means to extinguish it.

Burning off will also be restricted unless with a permit from either the municipality or the CFA.

Use of chainsaws, plant and grass trimmers will be restricted on dry grass unless the person operating it has at least nine liters of water in a knapsack spray pump or adequate fire extinguisher.

Mr Gunning said the misuse of machinery was a common cause of grass fires in the Wimmera.

"Summer fires generally start with inattention to compliance, so unattended campfires, misuse of machinery and of course deliberately lit fires," he said.

"Obviously people start to cut grass late, they need to make sure that their machinery is in good order and they keep it clear of chaff and dust so that it doesn't heat up and start a fire

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"Any tractors of farm machinery operating in and around dry grass need to have proper spark arrestors on the engine itself and also carry at least nine litres of water in a knapsack or fire extinguisher."

Mr Gunning urged property owners to begin preparations for the upcoming fire season - with dry conditions expected in early 2022.

"They are saying we will certainly experience a bit of good rainfall at least up until Christmas," he said.

"When I say good rainfall, I mean average rainfall, which will keep the grass growing. We are also, over the next three months, expecting higher than normal day time temperatures and higher than average overnight lows.

"So we will see conditions dry out rather rapidly as the weather warms up.

"Now is the time to start cleaning up around your home and making sure you have a fire plan. If you need help with that please go to the CFA's website, there are a number of tools available, or contact the nearest CFA office."

For more information on these restrictions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/

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