More smoke, less fire

By Tania Martin
THREE towns could be filled with smoke this week as the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) starts its autumn burning-off.
Olinda, Ferny Creek and Montrose have been identified as priority high-risk areas for the burns.
DSE east metropolitan district manager Anthony Maxwell said there was a 12-day window to get all the fuel reduction done in the region.
He said the DSE had identified 12 areas that were in need of burning across the Dandenongs.
But Mr Maxwell said the DSE was hoping to start on the higher risk areas in Ferny Creek, Olinda and Montrose this week.
“It all depends on the weather,” he said. “It is highly critical that we do these burns and do them safely to remove fine fuels such as bark.”
Mr Maxwell said burning-off would not stop a future fire but that it reduced the impact.
He said the Ferndale Road fire near Sassafras in February 2007 was a prime example of this.
“The forest above the fire had been burnt two years earlier so we where able to get in there with rake hoes and stomp out the fire before it got out of control,” Mr Maxwell said.
Environment Minister Gavin Jennings said planned burns would be conducted at strategic locations to improve protection for townships.
“As weather conditions allow, this critical work will continue,” he said. “We are aware that seeing smoke will cause some anxiety for people, especially those impacted by the recent bushfires, and ask the community for their patience throughout this program.”
Burns this week are expected to take place at Caterpillar Track and Jasper Road in Olinda, Moore Avenue in Montrose and near Hilton Road, Ferny Creek. More details: 1800 240 667.