Melbourne Water and CFA are preparing for a planned burn at the Yan Yean Reservoir, weather permitting.
**Media Release**
The burns will help reduce fire fuel such as leaves, bark and twigs to make fires easier to control and to increase the protection of lives and property. Planned burns were recommended by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.
Team Leader Water Supply Catchments & Bushfire Craige Brown said the burn is planned for today, weather permitting, and is likely to continue into the evening. He added that the area will be monitored throughout the night and tomorrow.
“The safety of the community and fire fighters is of paramount importance in planning for fuel reduction burns. Experienced fire fighters will conduct the burn in appropriate weather conditions,” Mr Brown said.
“Locals will see and smell smoke while burns are underway. Motorists driving in smoky areas are advised to slow down and take extra care on the roads,” he said.
Melbourne Water and CFA will monitor the weather and site conditions prior to the burn to ensure it is safely conducted within strict guidelines. The timing and intensity of the burn will be carefully controlled to target and reduce fuel loads. Staff will patrol the area over the days following the burn to ensure it is extinguished.
What to do:
- Be aware of planned burns in your area and take sensible precautions to avoid smoke exposure. For advice on smoke and your health, visit www.health.vic.gov.au
- Close windows and doors when indoors and switch your air-conditioner to 'recycle' or 'recirculate' to reduce smoke coming inside your home.
Road users are advised that road travel may be hazardous due to low visibility caused by smoke and are encouraged to obey all traffic signs and instructions when directed.
For more information, call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
If you have particular needs, call Justin Jemmeson, Melbourne Water Catchment Planner on 0419 748 366 or Ron Cole, CFA Vegetation Management Officer on 0400 741 329.
Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech or communication impairment can call textphone / telewriter on 1800 122 969. For interpreter or translation services, call TIS National 13 14 50.
Author: CFA Media