News & Information

Autumn Prescribed Burning begins in South West Victoria

Thursday 3 March, 2005

Communities in parts of south west Victoria can expect to see smoke in the air as the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) begins its annual autumn burning program.

DSE will be conducting burns from March within selected parks, forests and reserves across the five South West Fire Districts.

The autumn burn season in the Ballarat Fire District will begin with a prescribed burn in the Enfield Forest on 3 March, if weather and fuel moisture conditions are suitable. The 50 hectare burn is designed to reduce fire risk.

DSE's Manager, Emergency Management, South West, Jon Sanders said that prescribed burning is one of the key tools used in managing Victoria's public land, and is a top priority for DSE this autumn.

"Throughout autumn we conduct a series of prescribed burns, which include fuel reduction burning, ecological burning and regeneration burning," he said.

"Fuel reduction burning is the most practical way to reduce fire hazards in our forests and is designed to protect townships and property.

"If a wildfire begins in an area where fuel has already been reduced it is easier for us to control and manage the fire. Fuel reduction burning doesn't prevent fire, but it certainly helps us to control it."

Mr Sanders explained that autumn is the preferred time to burn because it is more likely to have the milder weather and stable atmospheric conditions necessary to burn safely.

"We will take advantage of every suitable opportunity to burn, however we want to remind everyone that we are still in the fire season. People should continue to protect their properties as they would in any fire season."

Mr Sanders added that in some parts of the south west there will be smoke in the air during the coming months. He asked affected communities to be patient and understanding.

"During this time, we are asking the community to understand the importance of our burning program and live with the smoke from prescribed fire in autumn rather than the smoke and flames of a wildfire in summer."

However Mr Sanders said that anyone concerned that smoke may be a bushfire, can call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

Callers with a hearing, speech or communication impairment can call the VBIL through the National Relay Service using a modem or textphone/teletypewriter (TTY). Dial 1800 555 677 then ask for 1800 240 667

Media Release From the Department of Sustainability and Environment