Vic: Smoke haze expected from fuel reduction burns

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2008
Vic: Smoke haze expected from fuel reduction burns

MELBOURNE, April 21 AAP - Melbourne residents can expect to continue to see and smell
smoke around the city this week due to fuel reduction burns.

The smoke is settling into local valleys from burns in the Upper Yarra catchment region
east of Melbourne and other areas of the state.

Regional fire manager Bernard Barbetti said stable autumn days were allowing the Department
of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to tackle fuel reduction burns whilst weather
and fuel moisture conditions remain suitable.

"We still have a lot of work to do protecting local communities and not much time to
do it," Mr Barbetti said.

"We appreciate their tolerance and patience at this time.

"Fuel reduction burning is necessary to prevent the impact of major bushfires on our
communities and water supplies."

In areas surrounding Melbourne's east, the bulk of burning is occurring near towns
including Reefton, Hoddles Creek, Gembrook, Cockatoo, Upper Pakenham and Beaconsfield.

Smaller burns are planned for French Island, the Dandenongs and the Peninsula later this week.

For more information ring the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall
1800 240 667 or go to www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires or www.cfa.vic.gov.au

AAP gr/cdh

KEYWORD: SMOKE

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