The 142 hectare burn will be about one kilometre north of Heathcote and aims to reduce the potential impact of bushfires on communities and the environment.

FFMVic acting regional manager forest fire operations Paul Bates said planned burning was part of an integrated strategic approach to protecting life and property from the risk of bushfire.

"If conditions are suitable, residents in Heathcote and surrounding areas may see or smell smoke from the ignition of a planned burn in the McIvor Ranges this weekend," he said.

"Our crews follow careful processes before, during and after a burn, to make sure it is kept safe and controlled.

"Our crews will use a range of equipment to complete the two-day burn including hand-held drip torches for ignition, 4-wheel drive ultralight tankers, large fire tankers and a bulldozer."

For details on when and where planned burns are visit plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au or call 1800 226 226.