Fuel reduction underway in Victoria’s parks and forests
22 September 2009
A 133-hectare planned burn, south east of Sale, is being blacked out and patrolled by fire fighters today.
The planned burn was successfully carried out by DSE and Parks Victoria crews, over the weekend, to provide protection for the town of Loch Sport. It brings the state-wide total of planned burns conducted this spring to 11.
DSE Chief Fire Officer, Ewan Waller said preparations for the bushfire season were well underway. He said that although many burns are planned for this spring, they are entirely dependent on the weather.
“Spring weather is often dry and windy, which makes planned burning very difficult and requires careful management, and we had have this kind of weather during September,” Mr Waller said.
“Our priority is to focus our efforts on critical burns that provide protection near towns and those areas that will contribute to slowing a bushfire.”
“Other preparations include grass slashing and track clearing to reduce the fuel hazard and to improve fire access tracks in state forests and parks,” Mr Waller said.
“DSE, CFA and other relevant agencies are working closely together to ensure that everyone is as fire-ready as possible for this season.”
Mr Waller said seasonal fire fighters have commenced work earlier this year to assist in preparations for the season.
“In the last two weeks 95 seasonal fire fighters have commenced at various locations around the state.
“The new recruits are undertaking medicals, fitness tests and intensive training before being deployed to fire preparation and response activities across the region. Project fire fighters will continue to be recruited ahead of this coming fire season.”
Mr Waller said conditions throughout this week will generally not be suitable to undertake planned burning but opportunities will be closely monitored: “A close working relationship with the Bureau of Meteorology assists us to identify and take advantage of every weather opportunity to burn, as long as we can do so safely,” he said.
Community members should be aware that fuel reduction activities are happening across the state and you may see, or be affected by smoke from planned burns in the coming months.
People can find out what's happening in their local area to avoid being inconvenienced by these works by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call textphone/ telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969.
