Lilydale residents may notice smoke in the hills area over the coming weeks as Forest Fire Management Victoria ramp up planned burns in the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley.
Currently, planned burns will take place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 20 March in Montrose.
Planned burning is a key part of FFMVic’s bushfire and risk strategy to protect local communities, property and the environment.
FFMVic Deputy Chief Fire Officer Tamara Beckett said FFMVic conducts planned burns based on conditions rather than the season, which means burning will take place year-round.
“As long as the conditions allow and it is safe to do so, we will carry out as many of our high priority burns in bushfire-prone areas as we can,” she said.
“We will undertake planned burns to reduce fire risk near communities, essential infrastructure and assets like water catchments, and ecological burns – particularly in the western grasslands – to help support rare and protected flora and fauna.”
FFMVic said it works closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to monitor weather conditions like humidity, temperature and wind speed, and will only carry out burns when conditions are right.
Planned burn programs are supported by local CFA brigades, who FFMVic crews share regularly to share resources, knowledge and expertise.
Other bushfire risk reduction works will be carried out, including mowing, slashing, mulching and maintaining or creating strategic fuel breaks.
“I thank the community for their support while our crews carry out this important fuel reduction work to protect life, property and the environment,” Ms Beckett said.
“Without year-round fuel management, bushfires will be more damaging and harder for firefighters to control.”
More information regarding planned burns can be found at www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns
