THE official Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin at 01.00am on Monday, December 19 (Monday) for Mansfield Shire, and Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Resort.

FDP restrictions already apply across parts of Victoria and CFA will be introducing further FDPs for municipalities in the coming weeks based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.

The return of a La Nina weather pattern has led to widespread rainfall and flooding in parts of the state, particularly in October, however that doesn't mean communities can become complacent about the increasing fire risk this season.

The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for summer identified potential for increased grassfire conditions for the 2022/23 fire season, due to significant grass growth and delayed harvest activities.

Based on the latest outlook, the fire season is expected to be normal in Victoria, but the North East's offical potential is below normal.

CFA District 23 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Rod Railton said the local grasslands have had significant curing occur in the past few weeks and pose an immediate risk.

"Widespread rainfall in winter and spring has led to high fuel loads across the region and we can expect to see significant grassfires to start the fire season," he said .

"While drying fuels will pose a fire risk, some open areas will still have damp soil conditions which could present access issues for responding fire trucks, so we're asking the community to remain vigilant around fire."

While CFA firefighters are preparing for the bushfire season, they are urging the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.

Residents in these areas should take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to conduct safe private burn–offs to reduce fuel loads and clean up their property.

If you are using fire to clean up your property ahead of the FDP, you should notify authorities of the burn–off at the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.

Monitor weather conditions and do not burn–off during days of high winds.

Lighting a burn off fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment.

Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed.

But a Total Fire Ban declaration means no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day unless there is a specific exemption or special permit issued.

This applies irrespective of the Fire Restriction status for a given municipality.