News & Information

Weekend Fuel Reduction Burns Near Anglesea

Photo: Flaxbourne West Reserve fuel reduction burn. By Nicholas Soames

Friday 18 March, 2005

Communities in parts of the Otways can expect to see smoke this Sunday, 20 March, as a result of fuel reduction burning near Anglesea.

Otways Fire Management Officer, Damian Kerr said forest areas around Anglesea are one of DSE's priority areas and Sunday's burns are designed to protect private properties by reducing forest fuel loads.

A 150-hectare burn will be conducted in the Flaxbourne Road area of Flaxbourne West Reserve, north east of Anglesea.

A second burn of 120 hectares will be conducted in the Denham Track area within Angahook-Lorne State Park, west of Anglesea.

Weather conditions permitting, both burns will be ignited around 11am and will burn through the day. Smoke will be visible from Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and the Great Ocean Road.

Both burns will be patrolled over the next few days.

Fuel reduction burning is a vital part of DSE's wider fire management strategy to protect public and private land from the adverse effects of bushfire.

Increased resources prior to the commencement of the current fire season are helping DSE to make the most of opportunities for fuel reduction burning this autumn.

However, landholders should remember that the fire season is still current and DSE asks that they continue to protect their properties as they would in any fire season.

Anyone concerned that smoke may be a bushfire can call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call the Victorian Bushfire Information Hotline through the National Relay Service using a modem or textphone/teletypewriter (TTY) by dialling 1800 555 677 then asking for 1800 240 667.

Source: Media Release from the Department of Sustainability and Environment