CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer District 20 Mick Sporton said the timing of restrictions was determined by local conditions, including rainfall, grassland curing and forest dryness.
While a firm date is yet to be announced, Echuca CFA captain Dan Moylan said residents should not wait for restrictions before acting.
“Most definitely residents should be preparing their properties now for the 2026-27 fire season,” Captain Moylan said.
Recent conditions have produced significant grass growth across the district, creating potential fuel as temperatures rise.
“We can all see there is more grass growth around and it will dry out,” Captain Moylan said.
“At this point in time it’s slowly curing as there is still a bit of moisture around.
“It is hard to say if it will be an earlier fire season due to the weather patterns we have had lately.”
Captain Moylan said the combination of heavy growth and unpredictable weather was his biggest concern heading into summer.
“What worries me the most is the unknown weather conditions and patterns that we could possibly get with the growth around,” he said.
“Residents should be preparing their homes and properties so, should an incident occur around or near their property, they have the best chance of defending it.”
Echuca CFA is ready for the season, with volunteers completing mandatory training and equipment prepared.
Residents planning burn-offs before restrictions begin are urged to register them with Fire Permits Victoria to prevent unnecessary emergency call-outs.
Property preparation advice is available at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/prepare
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