Burns to save towns

FUEL-REDUCTION burns were held in Wombat Reserve and Yarra State Forest near Gladysdale last week.
A 58-hectare area of land near Pioneer Road, Gladysdale, and a 55-hectare area of bush in Yarra State Forest were burned on Wednesday, 23 November.
Both burns were conducted to reduce the risk of wildfire for surrounding towns including Gladysdale, Three Bridges, Gilderoy and St Benedicts.
The burns are among 32 planned by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) for the Dandenongs and Yarra Ranges between now and the end of autumn next year.
The DSE’s fire manager for Port Phillip, Bernard Barbetti, said fuel-reduction burning was the most practical way to reduce fire hazards in forests and reserves and protect nearby towns and properties.
“Fuel-reduction burning is a proven way of reducing the risk of wildfire, and making fire easier to suppress when it does break out.”
Mr Barbetti said the DSE relied on the understanding and tolerance of local residents and visitors for each burn.
“Obviously smoke in the air can be irritating but the effects of prescribed fire are not nearly as bad as the impact of wildfire on communities,” he said.
The DSE finalised the list of burns following a month-long consultation process during which local information and community comment was sought.
Mr Barbetti said each burn was timed according to the latest weather information and soil moisture content.
Mr Barbetti said residents should call Nigel Brennan of the DSE on 5966 7203 or Anthony Hester of Parks Victoria on 9760 1510 for further information as the fuel-reduction burning continues.
Anyone concerned about smoke or a fire in their area should contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.