Authorities will conduct another planned burn in the Little Desert from tomorrow (Wednesday), along the North Break of the East Block of the National Park, weather conditions permitting.
Authorities advise that smoke from the 100-hectare burn may be visible from Kiata South Road, Winiam East Road and surrounding areas.
This is a separate burn to the Southern Break - Central Block burn which is also being conducted this week north of Goroke.
Wimmera Acting District Manager Glenn Rudolph said that these edge and internal break burns are being conducted along the edges and in small defined sections of the park to create strategic firebreaks.
"Like all Mallee bush landscapes, the Little Desert National Park is particularly fire-prone.
"Potentially, large and intense wildfires can burn thousands of hectares and dramatically affect the vegetation and wildlife habitats," he said.
"Edge break burning is designed to reduce fuel to lessen the spread and intensity of bushfires originating in the Little Desert National Park [and to stop them] burning wildlife habitat and escaping into surrounding agricultural communities."
Planned burns will only go ahead if the weather conditions are suitable.
"During planned burning, the safety of firefighters and the public is our highest priority.
"We take all possible precautions to ensure people do not enter areas where planned burns are occurring or where a planned burn has recently been conducted until the area is safe."
Where are the burns taking place?
Northern Break, East Block, 10km south-east of Nhill (top of map, marked 24h) from Wed. 29th March to Sun. 2nd April
Southern Break, Central Block, 14km north of Goroke (bottom of map) from Tue. 28th March to Sun. 2nd April
Map source: Forest Fire Management Victoria.
Photo at top of story: Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria crews. Source: supplied.
|
