They have warned police charges could follow for anyone who breaks the rules.

The official fire season will begin at 1am on Monday for the Wodonga, Alpine, Indigo and Towong council areas, plus Falls Creek and Mount Hotham alpine resorts.

A two-hectare bushfire in the Alpine National Park On Thursday, started by a lightning strike and contained with a seven aircraft response by Forest Fire Management Victoria, showed the danger was already at a high level in November.

The CFA’s fire danger period for Wangaratta, Benalla and Moira council areas, plus Mount Buller, began on November 20.

District 24 Operations Manager Paul King said most forecasts indicated the North East should expect an above average season – meaning people should be prepared for major fires.

Warmer and drier than average weather over spring, combined with recent rainfall causing growth in pasture and roadsides, has set up the region for an imminent fire season.

“Reducing fuel loads will ensure that if a fire does occur, it has less chance of taking hold or spreading,” Mr King said.

“While CFA does all it can, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.”

He said the weekend was the last opportunity for people to clean up their properties by burning if it was not already done.

“Out of control burn-offs and unregistered burn-offs are a major and avoidable headache for brigades,” Mr King said.

Fires from slashers and burn-offs occur almost every summer and police and the CFA have warned they will take a zero tolerance approach to any negligent behaviour, which could lead to police charges and sentencing before a court.

Lighting a fire in the open without a permit is an offence and can bring a penalty of over $21,600 and/or 12 months imprisonment.