It wasn't so long ago that Black Saturday sadly reminded us of the reality of living in a city surrounded by bushland - which is why the actions of the Department of Environment and Primary Industries are necessary and potentially life-saving.

In 2008, the then Department of Sustainability and Environment undertook controlled burns which saved 50 houses in Bendigo from going up in flames on Black Saturday and spared the township of Malmsbury weeks earlier.

The Dai Gum San reduction burn at the rear of Creeth Street was one of the most challenging undertaken by the DSE because heavy scrub sat alongside many backyards, but it's believed that doing so limited the potential for a three-mile front that would have presented in Cal Gully and Long Gully.

A controlled burn in Malmsbury prevented the township facing the full impact of a fire weeks before Black Saturday.

The CFA had been saying for some time the potential to burn into urban areas was high - which is why the current controlled burns are crucial.

A little bit of smoke is worth tolerating for the sake of safety and lives.

DEPI lists all controlled burns at depi.vic.gov.au or directs those with queries regarding planned burns to the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

The website states that if you’re driving and see smoke from burns, drive to the conditions and obey all road signs and instructions from fire crews near the burn. Burns are only ignited if the weather conditions are right. 

Nicole Ferrie, deputy editor