General News
4 October, 2023
Burns planned ahead of fire season
PLANNED burns will ramp up across the region over the coming weeks as fire services look to mitigate the risk of fire as warmer weather arrives.
PLANNED burns will ramp up across the region over the coming weeks as fire services look to mitigate the risk of fire as warmer weather arrives.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), Country Fire Authority (CFA), Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and local government have begun planning ahead of the upcoming fire season.
The Bureau of Meteorology has declared a combined El Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole climate pattern, meaning it is expected there will be a drier and warmer Spring, an earlier arrival of high-risk bushfire weather and a prolonged fire season compared to recent years.
To reduce bushfire risk, authorities will undertake planned burning and mechanical works such as mowing and mulching, remove hazardous trees and maintain strategic fuel breaks.
FFMVic deputy chief fire officer David Rourke said emergency services were well prepared for a potential earlier start to the bushfire season.
“We work every day to reduce bushfire risk to communities,” he said.
“Year-round, we are focused on actions with the greatest impact to minimise bushfire risk for communities and the environment, including planned burning, slashing and maintenance of strategic fuel break networks.
“The community has an important role to play as well, which is why we’re reminding everyone to understand their local risks, stay informed and take action now to prepare themselves and their properties.”
Planned burning occurs all year round when it is safe to do.
In the coming weeks, planned burns will continue at key sites including the south west.
Members of the community may see smoke, firefighting vehicles, aircraft, and crews in the area, these are a normal part of planned burns.
These burns build on the 3869 hectares of planned burns completed across the Barwon South West in 2022/2023.
This work has reduced the region’s residual risk below the target of 60 per cent of maximum levels.
Maintenance of an expanded network of strategic fuel breaks is also underway, with crews slashing and mulching critical assets.
Strategic fuel breaks are a modified corridor of vegetation that support safer back-burning during fire response and planned burns in locations which help firefighters defend private property, significant transport routes and critical community assets like water and power supplies from the impact of bushfires.
Authorities also remind the community fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and all Victorians.
Understanding local risks, staying informed and acting now to prepare properties are key steps in remaining safe throughout the summer season.
Campers are also reminded to stay alert and follow campfire safety rules.
Never leave a campfire unattended and always use water to put campfires out until they are cool to touch.
To find out when and where planned burns are happening sign up at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au or download the VicEmergency App.
For more information on preparing your property visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property.
For safety tips on campfires visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/safety-in-nature/visitor-safety-tips-in-parks/campfires.