With calm autumn conditions across much of the state, communities can expect to see smoke in the air as a mix of planned burns, private burns under CFA’s permit system, and agricultural burns take place over the coming weeks. While current conditions are ideal for burning, weather patterns may cause smoke to linger over parts of the state overnight and through to early morning on some days.
FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said fire agencies must take advantage of favourable conditions when they present.
“Planned burning on public land is one of the tools FFMVic uses to keep Victoria safer from bushfires,” Mr Hardman said.
“Our climate is changing, and that means finding the right days for safe and effective planned burning is becoming more challenging. Autumn typically provides our crews more opportunities to conduct planned burns, as the weather is more stable, and fire behaviour tends to be manageable and predictable.
“With the current favourable weather and forest conditions, we are delivering as much planned burning as we can,” he said.
“Reducing dry vegetation such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and small 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.
“We work closely with CFA, Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Bureau of Meteorology to keep the smoke impact from planned burns as low as possible. We make every effort to make sure favourable weather conditions reduce smoke drift into communities.
“Victorians can register to receive notifications of upcoming planned burns at the Planned Burns Victoria website.”
CFA Acting Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic said while fire restrictions are beginning to lift in some areas and landholders are starting to burn off on their properties, Victorians should remain vigilant before igniting their burn and ensure conditions are safe to do so.
“We are now seeing Fire Danger Periods end in some parts of the state, and we have been issuing a small number of agricultural permits for some farmers where restrictions still remain,” Mr Slijepcevic said.
“You may see a large amount of smoke in areas where these activities take place, so we ask farmers to let their neighbours know who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precautions.
“Any burning activity must always have someone in attendance, with enough water resources to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively,” he said.
For greater awareness for emergency services and community members, burn-offs should be registered on the fire permits website or if you wish to start your burn-off immediately, register your burn-off by calling 1800 668 511.
The Planned Burns Victoria website has details of all planned burns currently on the three-year Joint Fuel Management Program, visit plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/.
To find out what can and can’t be done during the fire danger period, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-iCheck fire restrictions and register private burns at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.
Detailed information about current air quality throughout Victoria can be found on the EPA’s website at www.epa.vic.gov.au