Operations manager Neville Collins said that fire investigators and possibly police will be brought on scene at any fires where the cause is unclear, and heavy penalties could apply.

“Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $19,000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment,” he said.

“All fires will be investigated if a cause cannot be immediately known by on-scene crews, and if it’s deemed to be suspicious police will be called.”

Penalties do not apply to fires for barbecues and cooking, but could be issued to anyone who starts a fire through negligence, which Mr Collins said was often responsible for property damage.

“It’s zero tolerance – we’ll be really clamping down as hard as possible,” he said.

“Any incident controller (attending a fire) will be requesting police presence.”

The Fire Danger Period will end on May 1 and Mr Collins encouraged the community to be aware of what is and is not allowed via the CFA website’s warnings and restrictions page.

Mr Collins also said permits for exemptions can be obtained from the CFA but they wouldn’t be issued lightly.

“We really don’t issue permits unless certain conditions during the Fire Danger Period are adhered to,” he said.

“If it’s critical for industry and other purposes (permits may be issued) and a general farmer could apply, but there would have to be special circumstances.”

Ararat Rural City Council has declared it will not issue any permits during the Fire Danger Period.

For information about active fires or how to reduce fire risk, Mr Collins said people could consult the CFA website or ring the Vic Emergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.