Planned burning begins across Victoria

FOREST Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) and the CFA have started planned burning across Victoria to reduce bushfire risk before summer.

FFMVic chief fire officer Chris Hardman said FFMVic and CFA crews are focused on conducting planned burns in high-risk communities when weather conditions are suitable.

“Planned burns throughout spring will be small, discrete operations that can be undertaken in a one or two-day period, rather than larger burns over a longer period of time.

“You may see and smell smoke from these planned burns, and some roads and parks may close.

“We will be working closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather conditions, such as humidity, temperature and wind speed, and will only carry out burns when the conditions are suitable.

“Underlying dryness across the state and the potential for an early fire season will limit our burning opportunities, but when conditions are right we will take the opportunity to reduce bushfire risk.

“Working with CFA is a vital part of our planned burning program ensuring that we are using local knowledge to manage bushfire risk together.”

CFA chief officer Steve Warrington said CFA and FFMVic crews would be working side by side to conduct planned burns as part of the Safer Together approach focusing on fuel reduction works that cover both public and private land.

“By doing this, we combine a range of expertise that benefits our planned burning program and means we are making our communities safer together.

Mr Hardman thanked the community for its understanding while the important work is completed.

“We understand that smoke from planned burns may cause concern for some people, but it’s important we take every opportunity while conditions are right to reduce bushfire risk before summer.” For the latest information about when planned burns are happening near you, head to the website at ffm.vic.gov.au/plannedburn or phone 1800 226 226.