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Dse And Parks Victoria Continue To Conduct Controlled Burns Over Easter Holidays

The Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria may be conducting a number of prescribed burns over the Easter holiday period if weather conditions remain favourable.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 6th April 2004 - Back to News

Residents and visitors to the area may see smoke in the air over the holidays, particularly in the east of the region, as the autumn burning program continues.

DSE’s Regional Fire Manager, David Tainsh said that the Department is continuing to proceed with regeneration and fuel reduction burning in strategic areas, despite the very dry conditions.

Mr Tainsh said the forest is still extremely dry because of well below average rainfalls in February and March and fire staff are proceeding with planned burns cautiously and carefully.

"It is vital for us to take every opportunity during autumn to continue with our campaign. We hope to be conducting burns somewhere in the Gippsland region every day until there is a break in the weather."

DSE would like to acknowledge the support of landowners and the CFA in both the planning of the autumn burning program and assistance in conducting the burns.

"This support provides an opportunity for local CFA volunteers to experience fire control at times other than in an emergency and helps build confidence in firefighters abilities to deal with wildfire," Mr Tainsh said.

"Local support, particularly with patrol on days after the burning has been completed has enabled DSE to achieve more of its program by directing more resources to burning crews."

If anyone is concerned about the smoke, please contact the Fire Management Officer at your nearest DSE office or the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 (free call).

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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