Smoke expected during Victorian burn offs

Communities can expect to see smoke in the air in coming weeks due to a mix of planned burns, private burns under CFA’s permit system, agricultural burns and smoke from wood heaters.

Victoria’s Chief Environmental Scientist Dr Jen Martin said EPA understands smoke from any source, including planned burns and private burn-offs can cause health concerns.

“If you see or smell smoke outside, be prepared. You can check the daily air quality and find ways to reduce your exposure to smoke on EPA’s website,” Dr Martin said.

“Your nose is also an excellent smoke detector. If you can smell smoke, take the necessary precautions to protect your health.”

Forest Fire Management (FFM) Vic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said it is crucial fire agencies take advantage of favourable conditions when they present.

“Planned burning on public land is one of the tools FFMVic uses to keep Victoria safer from bushfires,” Mr Hardman said.

“With the current favourable weather and forest conditions, we are delivering as much planned burning as we can.

“Our climate is changing and that means finding the right days for safe and effective planned burning is becoming more challenging. Autumn typically provides our crews more opportunities to conduct planned burns, as the weather is more stable, and fire behaviour tends to be manageable and predictable.

“Reducing dry vegetation such as grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and small 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.

“We work closely with CFA, Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Bureau of Meteorology to keep the smoke impact from planned burns as low as possible. We make every effort to make sure favourable weather conditions reduce smoke drift into communities.

“We encourage everyone to plan carefully for possible smoke impacts, particularly anyone with heart or lung conditions, older people, people with diabetes, children, infants, and pregnant women."

Victorians can register to receive notifications of upcoming planned burns at the Planned Burns Victoria website.”

CFA Deputy Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM said with fire restrictions lifting across most of the state, landholders starting to burn-off on their properties should remain vigilant before igniting their burn and ensure conditions are safe to do so.

“You may see a large amount of smoke in areas where these activities take place, so we ask farmers to let their neighbours know who may be sensitive to smoke so they can take necessary precaution.

“Any burning activity must always have someone in attendance, with enough water resources to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.

“For greater awareness for emergency services and community members, burn-offs should be registered on the fire permits website or if you wish to start your burn-off immediately, register your burn-off by calling 1800 668 511.”

The Planned Burns Victoria website has details of all planned burns currently on the three-year Joint Fuel Management Program. Visit https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/.

To find out what can and can’t be done during fire danger period, visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-i

Check fire restrictions and register private burns at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.

For tips about looking after health and reducing your exposure to smoke go to www.epa.vic.gov.au/smoke-and-your-health. To check the air quality in your area go to www.epa.vic.gov.au/check-air-and-water-quality.