Planned burns scheduled for the Loddon Mallee region over Wednesday and Thursday

With weather permitting, Forest Fire Management Victoria and the CFA advise fuel reduction burns will occur in Maiden Gully - Clay Gully from March 31 to April 1.

Another burn across the Hunter Elmore-Cohuna rail line bushland reserve in Hunter will also take place on Wednesday.

The Dja Dja Wurrung group will start the cultural burn at 10am on Wednesday and it is expected to last until 8pm.

More news: Why Lifeline hopes a new TV show will help normalise mental health's 'ebbs and flows'

FFMVic senior forest fire management officer Jonathan Andrea said planned burning was part of a year-round program to reduce bushfire risk for communities and the environment.

"Planned burning is weather dependant and we take advantage of every safe opportunity to burn," he said.

"This means planned burning can occur during the school holidays, over public holidays and weekends."

Mr Andrea said these planned burns, combined with other fuel reduction work in the area, were designed to reduce the spread and intensity of any future bushfires and minimise potential for ember attack and fire spread.

"Our strategic fuel management approach gives our firefighters a better chance of controlling fires when they do occur, reducing impacts on people, property and the environment," he said.

"Experienced FFMVic firefighters carry out planned burns under carefully managed conditions.

"We work closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather conditions, such as humidity, temperature and wind speed, and will only carry out planned burns when the conditions are suitable.

"We understand that smoke from planned burns may cause concern for some people, but it's important we take every opportunity while conditions are right to reduce bushfire risk."

Smoke from the burns may be visible until April 7 and seen from Sailors Gully, West Bendigo, Maiden Gully, Long Gully, Eaglehawk, Cal Gully, Bendigo, Ironbark, Jackass Flat,Hunter, Drummartin, Elmore and Kamarooka.

Other news: Bendigo carers for people with eating disorders urged to seek help

Authorities are advising some roads may be hazardous due to low viability associated with smoke. Signs may also be in place to slow traffic.

It is advised to close windows and doors nearby to prevent smoke from entering.

Access to walking tracks, car parks, camping grounds and picnic sites may also be restricted.

For parks closures, please refer to Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit here.

More information about planned burns can be found here.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: