As summer fades and autumn begins, we take a moment to reflect on the challenges of extreme heat, bushfires and storms over the past months have tested communities across the state, reinforcing the importance of preparedness, swift response and resilience.
We feel for the communities affected by these events, and I thank our crews, contractors, incident management personnel and partner agencies for the work they do to keep Victoria safer.
While the seasons may be changing, our focus remains the same – making sure resources are where they’re needed, learning from recent events and strengthening our strategies for the future.
The seasonal outlook shows a higher chance of warmer maximum temperatures into early autumn which may delay the start of planned burning in some parts of the state. It also raises opportunities for planned burning targeting areas that are not usually available under autumn conditions.
We manage Victoria’s bushfire risk in a holistic way, including – but not exclusively – through planned burning.
Large intense bushfires are a significant threatening process to the natural environment. Victoria’s home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural places, fire risk management needs to be balanced alongside land management to be effective.
Reducing the risk and impacts of bushfires requires a multi-facetted approach; there are no magic bullets. Victoria’s approach includes having the right road network for accessibility, strategic fuel breaks, fuel management through planned burning and mechanical fuel treatment and advanced approaches to suppression through well-trained people and highly specialised plant, equipment and aviation.
Victorian firefighters and fire managers are world class. We rely on the latest, wide-ranging and global body of research and work with other jurisdictions, but we apply our experience and knowledge to Victorian conditions.
Planned burning is part of our long-term strategy. It’s not just about a single burn, or single year, but an ongoing process aimed at creating a strategic network of fuel-reduced areas on public land. This network helps to slow the spread of fire and helps firefighters to reduce threats to communities, critical infrastructure and the environment.
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.
As soon as favourable weather and forest conditions arrive, we’ll be making sure all available resources are delivering planned burning, with a strong focus on priority areas like Midlands, Yarra Ranges, Murrindindi, Ovens, Otways and Latrobe Valley.
There may be some forest and road closures in place during and after planned burning. Visit the Planned Burns Victoria website before you travel to make sure your trip isn’t affected.
If you live in or are visiting an area where planned burning is taking place, there’s a good chance you’ll see FFMVic firefighters preparing locations or delivering planned burns. They’ll be the ones in our distinctive green firefighting uniforms.
Register for the latest updates if you want to know more about where and when we burn at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/.
Chris Hardman
AFSM
Chief Fire Officer
Forest Fire Management Victoria
