Residents around Melbourne’s northern suburbs might see smoke in the air today, Friday 25 September, while CFA crews carry out a planned burn at Wollert.
The 15-hectare burn, at a private property north-west of Quarry Hills Park, will be conducted this afternoon around 2pm. Around two dozen firefighters from four or five different brigades, including Epping and Wollert, will take part.
CFA regularly conducts fuel reduction (‘planned’) burns on private land during the cooler months because it is one of the most effective methods available to lessen bushfire risk.
Vegetation Management Officer Stephen Hull said that planned burns aimed to make communities safer while also benefiting the environment.
“The more vegetation the greater the risk, it’s as simple as that. By reducing the amount of vegetation in this area it ensures that any fire that goes through in future will burn with less speed and intensity.
“Many species of plants and animals have come to depend on fire to survive, so there are clear benefits to using the approach.
“This planned burn is a great example of CFA brigades cooperating with a local landholder who has a large area of bushland to manage,” he said.
People with asthma, or other heart or other lung conditions that make them susceptible to the effects of smoke are advised to consider staying indoors, reducing their exercise, taking their medications and following their asthma plan. Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice or contact Nurse-On-Call on 1300 606 024.
Local roads or other services will not be affected.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is responsible for planned burning on public land. Find out more about DELWP planned burns here.
Author: CFA Media