THE Department of Sustainability and Environment planed burns have begun in the Yarra Ranges with 11 controlled burns scheduled for the area this autumn.
DSE District Land and Fire management for the Yarra Ranges Geoff Scales said the DSE was committed to the planned burns for fuel reduction, ecological benefits and asset protection.
“Past fuel reduction burns proved their worth in February, providing some vantage points and safer areas for firefighters at the Bunyip Ridge and Murrindindi Complex fires,” Mr Scales said.
The DSE hopes to conduct fuel-reduction burns around McMahons Creek, Reefton, Wesburn, Three Bridges, Don Valley, Gruyere, Healesville, Yarra Junction, Millgrove and Yellingbo.
Information at dse.vic.gov.au/fires.