Upper Yarra residents are advised that the Victorian Government will be ramping up their planned burns operations this month, with burns near Yarra Ranges National Park already underway.
Autumn weather conditions are looking ideal for burns, which reduce the risk of severe bushfires.
A combination of the wet weather caused by La Niña, climate change and changing weather patterns have caused higher forest moisture levels and lower temperatures, which is increasing the number of safe and suitable planned burns that can be conducted.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said that when conditions are right, planned burns need to go ahead.
“It’s crucial we are prepared for bushfires especially as their frequency and severity increases due to climate change,” she said.
“Investing in risk reduction strategies like planned burns is vital to protect property and our precious environment.”
1400 burns are planned for the next three years including a large proportion of that figure over the next two months which will reduce fuel loads for bushfires and encourage plant diversity.
Clearing, mowing, mulching, slashing, and strategic fuel breaks, which make it easier, faster and safer for firefighters to access and suppress fires are other techniques which will be implemented when planned burns are not able to be conducted.
To find out when and where planned burns are happening, sign up to vic.gov.au/plannedburns, download the VicEmergency app or call the VicEmergency hotline at 1800 226 226.
