Autumn planned burns begin across Victoria
The Victorian Government has begun its 2009 Autumn planned burning program. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said planned burns would be conducted at strategic locations in Victoria to improve protection for townships as well as provide ecological benefits and fuel reduction.
“As weather conditions allow, this critical work will continue,” Mr Jennings said. “This has been a terrible fire season which has required a huge effort from our firefighters so DSE and its partner agencies will be moving fire crews around the state to maximise fuel reduction and ensure that firefighters are adequately rested.”
Timing of Planned Burns
Planned burns are largely carried out in autumn when the weather is mild and stable which leads to lower fire intensity during burns. Burns are conducted by DSE with support from Parks Victoria and the CFA, and advice from the Bureau of Meteorology.
“We are aware that seeing smoke will cause some anxiety for people, especially people impacted by the recent bushfires and ask the community for their patience throughout this program,” Mr Jennings said.
When are Planned Burns happening in my area?
Check the Burns Today page to find out when planned burns may be ignited in your area.
The page shows the burns that may be ignited within the next ten days.
Types of Planned Burns
Asset protection burns are planned for most districts in Victoria. Priority areas include the Otways coast, the Wombat Forest/Macedon areas and portions of the Dandenong Ranges. This fuel reduction burning is carried out on the best possible advice, and subject to weather conditions, to reduce fire threat. Strategic broad scale burning is also a high priority, particularly in East Gippsland.
The Victorian Government’s bushfire strategy, Living With Fire, includes $10 million for fire agencies to work with the community to develop and implement large-scale, mosaic burning. Mosaic burning mimics fire in the natural landscape and provides a better ecological result by breaking up age classes of vegetation and retaining habitat refuges across a broad area. Over the past four years more than 400,000 hectares of planned burning has been conducted.
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Planning Burns - Public Consultation Process
Consultation with communities for this season’s burns has already commenced in some locations and will continue throughout the season. Local communities will be notified by DSE of any planned burns in their area, as in previous years. Planned burns are identified on local three year Fire Operations Plans. The public consultation period for the Plans opens in July and the community is encouraged to participate in this planning process.
Smoke Health Notice
The Department of Human Services wishes to advise that people with pre-existing heart or lung conditions should take their medication as prescribed. In particular, people with asthma should follow their asthma management program. If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24. For general information about how smoke from fires potentially affects health, and precautions to take to reduce exposure, visit the DHS website.
Information
Further information about planned burns can be accessed;
- on the DSE website
- by phoning the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667
- by listening to ABC local radio