General News
30 March, 2023
Lighting fires to prevent fires
Wimmera firefighters are breathing a huge sigh of relief after the region escaped unscathed from the weekend's severe weather conditions. Country Fire Authority District 17 commander Lindsay Barry said it was lucky that the period went without...
Wimmera firefighters are breathing a huge sigh of relief after the region escaped unscathed from the weekend's severe weather conditions.
Country Fire Authority District 17 commander Lindsay Barry said it was lucky that the period went without a hitch.
“There was a total fire ban on Saturday throughout the Wimmera,” he said.
“There was just a truck fire on the Wimmera Highway early morning on Sunday, near Green Lake."
But Mr Barry asked people to remain vigilant.
"The weather is going to change in the coming weeks, but the grass and bush are still dry."
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) will take advantage of favourable weather and forest conditions to undertake planned burns across the Mallee in the coming days and weeks to reduce the threat of bushfires to the community.
“Planned burning is one of the most effective ways we can reduce the impact bushfires have on people, property and the environment," FFMVic Deputy Chief Fire Officer Scott Falconer said.
"Reducing fine fuels such as grass, leaves, bark and sticks as well as shrubs and fallen branches means fires are less intense and slower to spread, making it more likely that firefighters can keep bushfires small and contained before they pose a risk to communities.
“Recent hot and dry conditions have allowed fuels to dry out, which will mean communities can expect to see firefighters conducting planned burns if the weather and forest conditions are suitable and it is safe to do so.”
High priority burns are planned on public land near Rainbow, Patchewollock, Boinka, Underbool and Walpeup.
“People in these communities may see and smell smoke, and some roads and forests may be closed for public safety while these works are being undertaken.
“We know that smoke from planned burns may concern some people, and we work with communities and stakeholders to reduce smoke impacts as much as possible.
“However, it’s important that crews take every opportunity to reduce fuel loads while conditions are suitable.”
FFMVic works closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather conditions – such as humidity, temperature and wind speed – and will only carry out burns when conditions are safe to do so.
As well as burning, FFMVic crews conduct mechanical works such as mowing, slashing, clearing, and creating and maintaining strategic fuel breaks to reduce bushfire risk.
To find out when and where planned burns are happening near you, go to www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns or call 1800 226 226.