NEW automated fire danger rating signs which will give motorists up to date warnings on fire risk have been switched on.

A trial automated electronic Fire Danger Rating (FDR) sign has been installed in South Gisborne- one of 14 fixed signs placed in high risk areas to display Fire Danger Ratings (FDR), based upon fire weather forecasts.

Information is centrally managed by the CFA State Control Centre and uploaded via the internet.

The solar powered sign has a LED message panel will be used on Total Fire Ban or Code Red days and during a local emergency incident.

CFA Operations Officer Rohan Luke said the signs have been located in high traffic locations leading to high fire risk locations.

“The automated FDR signs are a great way to make people aware of the Fire Danger Rating in their district,’’ he said.

The new electronic signs will complement more than 300 manual FDR signs that were installed across Victoria in the past year.

The trial emerged following the Black Saturday enquiry and is a State Government initiative managed by CFA on behalf of the Fire Services Commissioner.

Automated FDR signs are being erected in Ferntree Gully, Warrandyte, Warrandyte South, Templestowe, Rosebud, Wodonga, Beveridge, Ballan, Ouyen, Genoa, Moe, Gisborne, Lillimur and Geelong.

The fire danger period officially begins in the Macedon Ranges on December 26.