Forest Fire Management Victoria and our partners at CFA are carrying out more planned burning operations across the region as the weather conditions improve.

Assistant Chief Officer, Chris Stephenson said: “Our planned burning program is making good progress this week, thanks to the current warm and stable conditions, allowing Forest Fire Managers to get plenty of burns done to protect Gippsland communities.”

“Burns are planned, or have been ignited from Noojee, Neerim East and Boolarra through to Rosedale, Briagolong, Dargo, Bruthen, Buchan, Nowa Nowa, Orbost and Bendoc.”

“These burns have the potential to produce a significant amount of smoke that, as a result of weather conditions, may sit in lower lying areas on some days and overnight, particularly towards the end of the week.”

“We understand that smoke from planned burns may cause concern for some people. It’s important that our fire crews take the opportunity to burn while conditions are right, so we can reduce bushfire risk for communities.”

“You might see our crews out and about in the days prior to a planned burn starting in your area, making sure people in your community know what is planned for the coming days.”

“When planned burns are happening in your area you may see and smell smoke and some parks and roads may close, or have traffic management in place.”

For the latest information about when planned burns are happening near you go to www.ffm.vic.gov.au/plannedburn, download the VicEmergency app or call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226.