Authorities are intending to conduct planned burns in the Heathcote, Wedderburn, Maryborough, Avoca, Bendigo and Rushworth areas.
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Forest Fire Management Victoria and CFA have advised that the following planned burning will be carried out from Sunday, weather conditions permitting:
- Wedderburn Old Boort Rd - 103 hectare fuel reduction burn, 4 kilometres north of Wedderburn.
- Wedderburn Ophir Rd - 35 hectare fuel reduction burn, 1.5 kilometres north of Wedderburn.
- Avoca Boundary Rd - 4 hectare fuel reduction burn, 700 metres north east of Avoca.
- Maryborough Jeffs St – 20 hectare fuel reduction burn, Maryborough Township
These burns should be completed between 10am on Sunday and 6pm on Wednesday.
Further planned burns will be carried out in and around Heathcote from Monday, weather conditions permitting:
- Heathcote Warren Rd - 84 hectare fuel reduction burn, 2.5 kilometres north west of Heathcote.
- Heathcote Hodgemans Gate - 28 hectare fuel reduction burn, 500 metres south west of Heathcote.
These burns should be completed between 10am on Monday and 6pm on Wednesday.
Forest Fire Management Victoria Murray Goldfields District Manager, Paul Bates, said Remote Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) would be used for the first time by Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighters at Sunday’s burns.
Authorities said residents might be affected by smoke from these planned burns and smoke may be visible from nearby localities and communities.
“We ask that if people see smoke and are concerned, they ring the VicEmergency Hotline, not 000,” Mr Bates said.
“It is important 000 is only used in case of emergency if you see flames.
“We understand that smoke from planned burns may cause concern for some people, but it’s important we take the opportunity while conditions are right, so we can reduce bushfire risk for communities.”
"Forest Fire Management Victoria work with the Bureau of Meteorology and will only do planned burns when conditions such as humidity, temperature and wind speed are right.”
People experiencing symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure should seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
To stay up to date on when and where planned burns are happening near you, go to vic.gov.au/plannedburn, download the VicEmergency App or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Visit the DELWP website for more information on the Victorian Government’s new approach to bushfire risk management.
What to do about:
Smoke
- If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, the Department of Health advises that you should seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
- Close windows and doors to prevent smoke from entering.
Roads
- Road travel may be hazardous due to low visibility associated with smoke
- Signs may be in place to slow traffic. Obey all traffic signs and instructions from fire agency crews near the burn
- For travel times and road works check http://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Access to forest/park recreation sites
- Be aware of planned burns happening in your local area and stay clear of areas where burns are taking place or areas that have recently been burned
- Access to walking tracks, car parks, camping grounds and picnic sites in areas close to or in burn areas may be restricted
- For parks closures, please refer to Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/
Stay informed about planned burning
- Visit the DELWP website www.vic.gov.au/plannedburn
- Call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667
- Visit Vic Emergency Website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
- Download the Fire Ready App on your mobile device
- Sign up for automated notifications about planned burns near you via www.delwp.vic.gov.au/plannedsburns where you can create a customised account for your local area.
- Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment can contact VBIL via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677
