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Smoky Conditions In Gippsland As Burns Progress

Many areas of Gippsland are experiencing heavy smoke as the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria continue with autumn burns across the region.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 14th April 2004 - Back to News

DSE's Regional Fire Prevention Coordinator Tony Dowler said that the smoke is a necessary inconvenience and asked the public to be patient and understanding about the current conditions.

"We are putting a huge effort into reducing fuel loads in the forest over the autumn, so that communities can be better protected from wildfire in the hotter months," Mr Dowler said.

"We apologise for the smoky conditions, but would like the community to be assured that we are doing the best we can to take advantage of the most appropriate weather for the safe operation of controlled burns."

DSE’s extensive fuel reduction burning program is based on a well established, scientific planning process that involves consultation with other agencies and the community.

All reasonable steps are taken to reduce the inherent risks involved in the burns, including following strict guidelines and close liaison with the Bureau of Meteorology and other agencies.

When a controlled burn is completed, DSE and CFA crews will monitor and patrol the area for a number of days afterwards to ensure that the area is safe.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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