Roadside hazard reduction burning is a critical task for a number of brigades around the state. And Toolern Vale is no exception.
With summer fast approaching, record low rains and high temperatures, and with major fires already flaring up around the state recently, Toolern Vale Fire Brigade, with help from Coimadai Fire Brigade, in consultation with Melton City Council, have started their annual roadside burning campaign in earnest.
With the majority of the township surrounded by vast open grasslands with farming and grazing dotted throughout, roadside burning is a critical tool is slowing the path of a fire if it should occur.
This hazard reduction burn, located in McCorkell Road in Toolern Vale, is a 5.5km long stretch of dusty road, bordering large pastures and grassland. Should a wayward cigarette be thrown, or a faulty exhaust on a car drive past, it should slow the spread of fire until the brigade arrive, before devestating the local community.
Toolern Vale Fire Brigade will be undertaking multiple roadside burns in the coming weeks, making the communities of Toolern Vale, and Melton a lot safer.
Pictures by Blair Dellemijn - CFA Photographer.
Author: Blair Dellemijn