Planned burn season begins

WITH fire restrictions easing or about to ease in some parts of Victoria and calm autumn conditions, hundreds of private resident burn-offs, agricultural burns and planned burns are expected to take place over the coming weeks.

While the present conditions are ideal for burning, weather patterns may cause smoke to linger over parts of the state overnight and through to early morning.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVIC) chief fire officer Chris Hardman said the climate was changing, which meant finding the right days for safe and effective planned burning – a critical part of the statewide bushfire management program – was also changing.

“FFMVic’s number one priority is to protect life, property and the environment from the risk of bushfires, and that is what we will continue to do.

“Reducing fine fuels such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and fallen branches means fires are less intense and slower to spread, making it more likely that firefighters can keep bushfires small and contained before they pose a risk to communities.

“We must go ahead with the planned burning program while conditions are suitable, and it is safe to do so to avoid an increased fire risk in the future.

“Smoke could be a result of private resident burn-offs, planned burns and agricultural burns. We work closely with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Bureau of Meteorology to keep the smoke impact from planned burns as low as practically possible and inform the community while delivering the program.

“Victorians can also sign up for planned burn notifications to prepare for any impact on their health or activities.”

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan urged Victorians to conduct private burn-offs safely.

“While the Fire Danger Period has ended in some areas, it is still important that residents check the local conditions are safe and appropriate for burning off – both on the day and the days following,” he said.

“When conducting private resident burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire.

“We ask the community to register their burn-off as this ensures if someone reports smoke, the incident can be monitored and acknowledged early.

“If possible, landowners should also notify their neighbours and others nearby who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precautions.”

Victoria’s chief environmental scientist Professor Mark Patrick Taylor said smoke from planned burns and private burn-offs could cause health concerns, and the EPA was monitoring air quality across the state.

“You can check air quality for your area through our air monitoring system, EPA AirWatch.

“Your nose is also an excellent smoke detector. If you can smell smoke, take the necessary precautions to protect your health.”

For more information about when and where planned burns are happening near you, head to plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au

Detailed information about air quality throughout Victoria can be found on EPA’s website.

If you see or smell smoke outside, you should reduce your exposure to smoke by staying indoors and closing your windows and doors – but only if it is safe to do so.

For morre information and tips for when there is smoke, head to epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/environmental-information/air-quality/smoke/smoke-your-health.