By Mitchell Clarke
A 38-hectare planned burn is set to be ignited in Gembrook on Monday 2 November in a bid to manage the risk of bushfire.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) has warned smoke may be visible across Melbourne’s outer east as crews carry out the controlled burn at Gilwell Park Bushland Reserve.
The burn is set to be ignited on Monday, weather permitted, and crews will patrol the burn for several days following.
FFMVic works with the CFA and the Bureau of Meteorology to ensure conditions are suitable for burning.
Gilwell Park Bushland Reserve will be closed during the burn and speed reductions will be in place along Gembrook-Launching Place Road on Monday with delays possible.
Deputy chief fire officer Shannon Devenish said planned burning was one of the many strategies to protect life and property from the risk of bushfire.
“Undertaking planned burns such as this one will reduce the size of bushfires and make them easier for our firefighters to control,” Ms Devenish said.
“The periods of cooler weather in spring and autumn are often the most suitable and safest for us to carry out our planned burning – they can only go ahead when the weather and conditions allow.”
Under the current public health advice, the planned burning program is able to go ahead, with crews able to adhere to physical distancing and hygiene requirements.
