CFA and Melbourne Water will take advantage of favourable weather conditions to undertake a planned burn at Cardinia Reservoir on Wednesday 5 April.
Planned burning will be an effective tool to reduce bushfire spread and intensity, decreasing the risk to Melbourne’s water storage and treatment infrastructure because the Reservoir on Deery Road sits within a high bushfire risk area.
CFA District 13 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Matt Hirst said it is important to take the opportunity to reduce fuel while it is safe to do so.
“Our aim is to reduce fuel loads such as leaves, sticks and fallen branches in these locations that are close to communities and reduce the impact of future bushfires,” he said.
“The 24.9Ha burn will also reduce ash and soot contamination of Melbourne’s vital water supply, reducing negative impacts on both water quality and quantity during an intense bushfire.
Mr Hirst said while the burns are happening, the surrounding community may see smoke and some roads and forest areas may be closed for public safety.
“CFA and Melbourne Water (part of Forest Fire Management Victoria) will have firefighters on the ground to protect Melbourne’s water storage and treatment infrastructure,” he said.
“We’ll have CFA firefighters and firefighting vehicles on site during the burn to keep the fire under control, and for 2-3 days after to prevent the burn from reigniting.
Biodiversity and cultural heritage checks have been completed ahead of the planned burn.
Mr Hirst said it is normal to see flames, smell smoke and hear crackling on the day of ignition and see vegetation smouldering in the burn area for two to three days after, and people shouldn’t call triple-0 unless there in an emergency.
“Current mild temperatures, wind conditions and average rainfall have allowed for a safe window for the planned burns to be conducted and easily controlled. If the weather becomes unfavourable during operations, the burning will stop,” he said.
“If there is no wind to clear the air, smoke can linger and settle in low-lying areas for a few days after a burn too.”
The CFA said during planned burns, residents should keep doors and windows closed, switch air conditioning to recycle or recirculate, bring washing inside, keep pets indoors, avoid physical activity and if they have asthma, carry medication and an inhaler with them.
For the latest information about when and where planned burns are happening visit www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns or call 1800 226 226.
