Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is preparing to start its autumn planned burn program to reduce the impact of bushfires on the community and environment across the Wimmera District.
FFMVic District Manager Glenn Rudolph said that planned burning is one of many strategies employed as part of an integrated approach to protecting life and property.
“We carry out fuel reduction through planned burning, slashing and mowing works, and creating and maintaining fuel breaks, techniques that are applied to predetermined areas under specific environmental conditions to achieve the desired outcome.
“We expect some opportunities to become available in the Wimmera within the next month as we head into autumn, with milder weather allowing us to target areas that are too hot and dry in summer, before things get too wet in winter,” Mr Rudolph said.
“In partnership with other land management and emergency service agencies, we aim to complete several important planned burns across the Wimmera this season, including at Apsley near Edenhope, within the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks, and around key townships such as Stawell and Ararat.
“There are limited opportunities when conditions are suitable to undertake planned burns. When they occur, communities may see and smell smoke, and some roads and forest areas may have to be closed for public safety.
“Our number one priority is protection of life and property and that is what we will continue to do.”
For the latest information about when planned burns are happening near you, go to ffm.vic.gov.au/plannedburn, download the VicEmergency app or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
|
