Burns this season
The information in the table and map on this page provides details about planned burns in Victoria for the current twelve month period, starting in July. You can access information about imminent, or ignited, burns at Burns Today.
Planned Burning in Spring 2009
The six months from January to June 2009 saw Victoria receive below average rainfall. A significant portion of forested land, grassland and private property around Melbourne received its lowest rainfall on record during this period.
Welcome rain across much of Victoria in July 2009, with rainfalls about average for that month. However, the underlying dryness quickly absorbed these rains and conditions remain dry across much of the state.
DSE has begun the Spring planned burning program with ignition of burns continuing from time to time from September through to November, when conditions are suitable. As weather conditions can vary dramatically from day to day, planned burning in Spring will focus on small asset / township protection burns and ecological burns.
Please note: the main season for planned burning is Autumn each year. Planned burning in Spring normally accounts for less than 5% of DSE’s total planned burning program. Each district’s planned burning program can be viewed in their fire operations plan.
Further Information
Burn terms - definitions for terms on this page
Burns Today - current status of ignited burns
Interactive map - view burns planned in your area for 2009-2012
DSE planned burns – find out why burns are carried out
Victorian Bushfire Information Line - queries about burns 1800 240 667 (free call) or TTY 1800 240 667
Definition of terms
Ready
Burns that may commence in the next 10 days when the weather and fuel conditions are suitable.
Authorisation required
A 'Ready' burn is waiting for approval for ignition; this is likely to occur in the next few days.
Ignition authorised
The burn has been approved for ignition, likely in the next 24 hours, subject to weather and resources. This approval is a final check that it is appropriate and safe to conduct the burn.
Ignition
The burn has been ignited (in whole or part depending on burn size and/or situation). There is active fire within the burn area.
Controlled
A burn that requires routine patrol including extinguishing or removing any burning materials around the perimeter of the burn.
Safe
The burn has been completed - it is considered safe to no longer patrol the burn area.
Area
The planned size of the burn in hectares. Note - some burns are conducted in stages and ignition may occur on more than one day. Final completion of a burn may be delayed until a later burn season.
