Thanks to favorable weather and ground conditions, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Otway Fire District planned burning program will begin this week in Wye River.
DSE Otway District Manager Andrew Morrow said planned burning is due to start on Tuesday 21 February 2012 at Wye River.
“This planned burning is part of an integrated plan to reduce the bushfire risk to people, property and communities,” Mr Morrow said.
“Three small burns are scheduled for this week at Wye River to reduce fuel loads close to the Wye River township and give enhanced protection to local residents,” he said. “The burns will be carried out at or near Old Coach Rd, Mud Road and Wye Track.”
Next week DSE and Parks Victoria crews hope to carry out a larger burn of around 700 hectares between Wye River and Kennett River on the Great Ocean Road, west of Lorne.
“Reducing fuel loads near communities and in remote areas can reduce the threat of damaging bushfires to communities and the environment,” Mr Morrow said. “The aim of this larger burn is to reduce the fuel loads across a broader area, and build on the fuel reduction undertaken closer to houses and other community assets.
“We’ll be burning whenever the weather is right. There is only a brief period of time suitable for planned burning in this wetter area of the Otways, before it becomes too damp for fuels to burn successfully.”
Mr Morrow said DSE is increasing the amount of planned burning, with burns scheduled progressively through autumn.
“Burns in the damper forests around Lorne are scheduled for early March, followed later by burns in the drier forests,” Mr Morrow said. “Our priority is to reduce fuel loads close to townships primarily along the Surf Coast, as well as tackle larger burns that can help break up fire pathways to reduce the extent and severity of large scale bushfire in the Otways.”
Mr Morrow said patrolling of existing burns will continue until all burns are declared safe.
Traffic management will be in place to manage theses burns. There will be delays and road closures at times for both public and firefighter safety. Road users are advised to take extra care as road travel may be hazardous due to low visibility from smoke.
The community can assist firefighters and stay safe by following a few simple rules:
- Only essential travel should occur near burn areas
- Observe all traffic management directions
- Road users are advised to take extra care as road travel may be hazardous due to low visibility from smoke.
Smoke Exposure Information
If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, the Department of Health advises people to seek medical advice or call Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24.
For general information about how smoke from fires potentially affects health and precautions to take to reduce exposure, visit www.health.vic.gov.au/bushfire
Victorian Bushfire Information
- For information on fires or planned burns in Victoria and general fire safety, please contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on freecall 1800 240 667.
- Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment may call textphone/telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969.
Links
- Information is available at www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires
- For information about fire restrictions, fire bans and fires on private land visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au
- Department of Health website: www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency/bushfire
