Authorities are busy preparing for the upcoming bushfire season which may start earlier than anticipated, as planned burns and mechanical works are set to get underway.
The Bureau of Meteorology has declared a combined El Nino and positive Indian Ocean Dipole climate pattern, creating drier and warmer conditions in spring, an earlier arrival of high-risk bushfire weather and a prolonged fire season compared to recent years.
To reduce the risk, Forest Fire Management Victoria, FFMVic, Country Fire Authority, CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, FRV, and local governments are set to undertake planned burning when safe to do so, as well as works including mowing, mulching, removing hazardous trees and maintaining strategic fuel breaks.
FFMVic acting deputy chief fire officer Mark Mellington said authorities worked all year to reduce the bushfire risk and were well prepared for a potential earlier start to bushfire season.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
During a planned burn, people may see smoke, firefighting vehicles, aircraft, and crews in the area but are reminded that it is a normal part of such works.
Planned burns and maintenance work throughout 2024 are currently as follows:
District 12
- Northern Highway, Broadford – Fuel Reduction
- Northern Highway, Kilmore – Fuel Reduction
- Tallarook Recreation Reserve – Fuel Reduction
Murrindindi
- Dry Creek Road, Wandong – Fuel Reduction
- Joey Creek, Kinglake West – Fuel Reduction
- Freemans Link Road, Tallarook State Forest – Fuel Reduction
- Tonsil Road, Reedy Creek – Fuel Reduction
- Silver Creek Fuel Break, Flowerdale – Windrow/Heap
- McMahons Road, Flowerdale – Fuel Reduction
- Two Tees Road, Clonbinane – Fuel Reduction
Metropolitan
- Forest Red Gum Drive, Mickleham – Vegetation modification
- O’Herns Road North, Craigieburn – Ecological
- Latrobe Road, Yarrambat – Fuel Reduction
Further burns are planned for 2025 and 2026 in Beveridge, Wandong, Reedy Creek and Tallarook State Forest.
National parks and state forests will be closed on catastrophic fire danger days during summer and may be closed on other days when the risk to life is considered unacceptable, with visitors encouraged to check local weather conditions before travelling to forested areas.
For more information on planned burns, sign up at plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au or download the VicEmergency App.
For more information on property preparation, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/planprepare/how-to-prepare-your-property.
For safety tips on campfires visit www.parks.vic.gov..
