Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) crews ignited planned burns at McMahons Creek along Woods Point Road, and Crooked Creek near East Warburton on Monday 9 November.
Senior Fuel Management Officer John Van De Paverd said planned burning is one of the many strategies used by FFMVic as part of an integrated approach to protecting life and property from the risk of bushfire.
Pending on conditions, FFMVic planned the 4.2-hectare fuel reduction burn at McMahons Creek, and a 12-hectare fuel reduction burn at Crooked Creek.
“Undertaking planned burns such as this one will reduce the size of bushfires and make them easier for our firefighters to control.
“The periods of cooler weather in spring and autumn are often the most suitable and safest for us to carry out our planned burning – they can only go ahead when the weather and conditions allow,” said Mr Van De Paverd.
Crews will patrol the burn for several days following. Speed reductions will be in place on Woods Point Road between East Warburton and McMahons Creek on Monday with delays possible.
FFMVic works with the CFA and the Bureau of Meteorology to ensure conditions are suitable for burning.
Under the current public health advice, our planned burning program can continue for now. If that advice changes, we will make any adjustments necessary in consultation with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, Environment Protection Authority Victoria, CFA and Vic Emergency.
To find out when and where planned burns are happening near you go to
www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns or call 1800 226 226.
