With the onset of March’s cooler and calmer weather, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) will commence the autumn planned burning program with a burn scheduled today at Wulgulmerang.
DEPI’s Regional Controller Anthony Costigan said that it is understandable that some people remain nervous of smoke and fire in the landscape given this summer's bushfires in Gippsland, but that authorities have only a small window of opportunity to complete this particular burn.
"Given the high elevation of this burn, we need to complete it before it becomes too cool and damp at that altitude," he said.
"This burn is for the direct protection of the Wulgulmerang community, who fully support it being carried out."
"Planned burning is part of a plan to reduce bushfire risk to Victorian communities, property and the environment, particularly relevant in light of Gippsland’s summer bushfire experience," he said. “Autumn brings the best conditions to burn safely, with warm temperatures and still conditions."
“Great work has been done by fire agencies and on-ground Victorian, interstate and overseas firefighters to contain and make safe this year’s bushfires. In Gippsland commendable work has been done to round up numerous fires. Although the Timbarra-Gil Groggin and the Goongerah-Deddick Trail Fires are classed as going it is expected current control lines will hold through the expected windy weather on Wednesday.
“For many East and far East Gippsland communities and individuals, this summer period has been filled with anxiety, stress and exhaustion due to the threat and impact of the bushfires,” said Mr Costigan.
“We will use our usual notification process to let people know when and where burns are carried out but if people see smoke and are not sure what it is, it could be a planned burn, so we ask that people check the DEPI planned burn website, the FireReady app or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667."
“We urge people only to call Triple Zero if they see flames.”
To visit the DEPI website to check for planned burns, go to www.depi.vic.gov.au/burnsmap
Media Contact: Catherine Petroff, Gippsland Regional Control Centre: 03 5177 3265