Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Grange Jephcott said: “Just a few weeks ago we thought weather conditions were going to limit our ability to get some key community protection burns done – conditions were much too wet across most of Gippsland.”

“However, we’ve had this late burst of clear stable weather which looks likely to continue and we’ve been able to get some really important burns done around communities such as Orbost, Cabbage Tree Creek, Cann River, Bemm River, Noorinbee, Mallacoota, Tubbut, Bonang and Bendoc,” Mr Jephcott said.

“We hope in the next week or so we can also get some more protection burns done in the Cann River, Mallacoota and Bendoc areas.”

“You might see our crews out and about, particularly in the days prior to a burn program starting in your area, making sure people in your community know what is planned for the coming days.”

“We’re really grateful for the assistance of the first Gunaikurnai crew on burns around the Bairnsdale area – it’s fantastic to see them taking part in burns on their country.”

“When planned burns are happening in your area you may see and smell smoke and some parks and roads may close. This week this may include closure of part of the East Gippsland Rail Trail and traffic management applied to the Princes Highway.”

For your health and safety, find out when planned burns are happening near you. Go to vic.gov.au/plannedburn, download the FireReady app or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

The Planned Burns Notification System (PBNS) is an opt-in system and can send an SMS or email message prior to a burn being carried out and when it is in progress, in a region you subscribe to. To register go to vic.gov.au/plannedburn

For more information go to: http://delwp.vic.gov.au/fire-and-emergencies

Information on the new approach to bushfire risk management at www.delwp.vic.gov.au/safer-together.