Hundreds of burn-offs expected

By Gabriel Garcia

Apr 6, 2023

Expected burn-offs: Regional Victoria is expected to see hundreds of expected burn-offs as fire restrictions ease. Photo: Rene Martens Photo by Rene Martens

With the recent easing of fire restrictions, Cobram and district residents are being warned that hundreds of private burn-offs, agricultural burns and planned burns are expected to take place in the coming weeks.

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Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said the burn-offs were all part of the statewide bushfire risk management program.

“Reducing fine fuels such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and fallen branches means fires are less intense and slower to spread, making it more likely that firefighters can keep bushfires small and contained before they pose a risk to communities,” he said.

Mr Hardman said residents should not be concerned about smoke from the burn-offs.

“We work closely with the Environment Protection Authority and Bureau of Meteorology to keep the smoke impact from planned burns as low as practically possible and inform the community while delivering the program,” he said.

“Victorians can also sign up for planned burn notifications to prepare for any impact on their health or activities.”

The CFA is urging Victorians to conduct private burn-offs safely and CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said it was still important for residents to check local conditions were safe and appropriate for burning off, both on the day of the burn off and the days immedietly after.

“When conducting private resident burn-offs, remain alert and always have resources on hand to extinguish the fire,” Mr Heffernan said.

“We ask the community to register their burn-off as this ensures if someone reports smoke, the incident can be monitored and acknowledged early.”

Mr Heffernan said people conducting burn-offs should also make their neighbours aware of their plans.