Otways planned burns set for coming weeks

SPRING planned burning is set to start in the Otway District in the coming weeks, to reduce the bushfire risk for towns along the Great Ocean Road.
Weather permitting, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) will conduct planned burns near Aireys Inlet, Moggs Creek, Anglesea and Lorne as part of preparations in the Otway District for the bushfire season.
Windows of opportunity to burn during spring are dependent on conditions, with high and variable seasonal winds forecast this spring.
The FFMVic crews will carry out a series of small, single-day operations, following large planned burns that were conducted during more stable weather conditions in autumn and winter.
The spring burns will be strategically located to reduce the amount of bushfire fuel – bark, grasses and shrubs – alongside private properties on the edge of towns.
These works will build on past planned burning and mechanical works (such as mowing, mulching and slashing) that have already created fuel-reduced areas around the coastal towns.
FFMVic has been working closely with communities about the upcoming burn program, particularly residents whose properties border scheduled burns.
Crews will adhere to physical distancing and hygiene requirements to ensure operations are carried out safely.
As smoke from planned burns can cause health concerns, FFMVic monitors smoke levels from planned burning across the state.
Detailed information about air quality in your area can be found at the Environment Protection Authority Victoria’s AirWatch map, which has data from EPA’s air monitoring stations across Victoria.
“We’re expecting to staart the spring program with burning near Anglesea in early October, however planned burns can only go ahead when weather conditions are suitable, so plans may change,” Otway district senior fuel management officer Bodin Campbell said.
“Without planned burning and other fuel management work like clearing, mowing and slashing, bushfires will be more difficult to control.
“We expect the smoke impacts on communities to be fairly minor and short-lived, given these planned burns are relatively small in size and the seasonal winds are likely to disperse the smoke quickly.”
To find out when and where planned burns are happening near you, head to vic.gov.au/plannedburns or phone 1800 226 226.