Country Fire Authority (CFA) has urged residents to prepare and clean up their properties with expectations the Fire Danger Period will come into force earlier than previous years.

District 16 Operations Manager, Alfred Mason said with the onset of warmer weather and low rainfall residents needed to be vigilant this fire season.

"The hot and windy weather we have experienced in spurts over recent weeks just goes to show it doesn't take much for vegetation, in particular grasslands, to dry out in these conditions," he said.

"Only a few days ago, we saw some small fires take off and burn quickly. What we are seeing is low rainfall and a rapidly yellowing landscape."

CFA declares the Fire Danger Period for each municipality (shire or council) at different times in the lead up to the fire season.

Declaration depends on the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and other conditions.

The Fire Danger Period could be declared as early as this month and typically remains in place until the fire danger lessens, which could be as late as May.

Mr Mason said that by taking a few extra minutes in their planning, people could save CFA volunteers who are being turned out to fires only to find it is a burn off, precious time.

The CFA is urging landholders to consider all methods of fuel reduction such as slashing, removal of fuel to green waste facilities in lieu of burning off, while those who choose to burn off grass need to register their burn off with Vic Fire on 1800 668 511.

“It is also important that all residents are aware of their responsibilities when incorporating burning off into the fi re safety plan, as with current conditions it is now too late to burn solid or heavy fuels,” Mr Mason said.

“Adequate precautions must be taken to ensure individual safety, with the construction of a bare earth perimeter, and have appropriate water on site to keep the fire contained.

“It is also important to check any burns that have been done in the last few months that have involved trees or stumps.

“In the past many fires have started from burn offs conducted months previous to the Fire Danger Period.”

Mr Mason has also issued a reminder to landholders that under the Summary Offences Act (1966), landowners must not leave a fire unattended as it could result in damage to, or destruction of life and property.

“With the Fire Danger Period just around the corner, farmers need to ensure their equipment complies with requirements (water extinguishers or knapsack, exhausts systems that comply, free of mechanical defects),” he said.

“If people haven’t already done so, now is the time to get busy around their homes and to clean their gutters; clear leaf litter and other fine fuels from around homes; to remove flammable items such as paper, boxes and crates and to store fuel supplies and chemicals away from houses.”

Minister for Bushfire Response Kim Wells said fire authorities can only do so much, with the community also needing to do its bit ahead of the upcoming fire season.

“Our agencies are currently preparing for a challenging summer. All Victorians still need to ensure they have their own plan in place and are prepared for the risk of fires,” he said.

“No matter where you live, all Victorians need to understand their fire risk and be ready to act if fire breaks out. The message is simple: leave and live.”

For additional information contact your local fire brigade or the CFA District Office 5352 9600.