Burn off for bush safety

By Tania Martin
A THICK cloud of smoke could be seen right across the Dandenongs last week as the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) conducted a 50-hectare burn-off.
The burn-off, which took place at the top of Mt Dandenong, was designed to reduce fuel hazards in the area.
Six fire tankers and 12 slip-on fire fighting units with more than 75 firefighters were on hand for the burn-off. Incident controller Rocky Barca said the burn-off held along the Kyeema Track adjacent to SkyHigh in Mt Dandenong was part of an ongoing project to protect houses and businesses in the area in the event of a bush fire.
Mr Barca said it was part of a state wide joint project between DSE, the CFA and Parks Victoria.
He said the north face of the Dandenong Ranges was burnt in 2001 and the area to the south in 2004, and that this latest burn-off along the western front was continuing the work to protect the Dandenongs.
“It just another link in the chain to protect the area,” he said.
DSE fire and emergency services manager Bernard Barbetti said the low intensity burn-off would reduce fuel such as leaves, bark, and twigs, which form the understorey of the shrubby foothills forest.
He said the burn-off will help to protect assets such as the SkyHigh Observatory, local homes, tourist accommodation, communication transmission towers and nearby satellite dishes.
“Local residents and business operators are very much aware of the high risk in areas of the Dandenong Ranges National Park and we appreciate their tolerance and understanding for any short-term inconvenience caused by our burn operations,” he said.