I live near the planned burn, why wasn’t I notified about it?
- Houses that immediately surround the reserve where the burn will occur, will be notified via a letter, which contains general information about the burn location and indicates the month or months when the burn may occur.
- As smoke is visible and can be smelt over long distances, it’s not practicable to notify all residents within an estate and/or over a wide area. View information about the general location of planned burns. As the burn day is dependent on many factors, such as suitable weather conditions and acquired resources to run the burn, Council cannot specify a date for the burn.
How can I be notified about the burns?
If you have chronic health conditions and would like notification about upcoming burns in a particular suburb/area, please provide us with your contact details (name, phone number and email address). You should also indicate the suburb/area that you would like to be notified about during our planned burn program, which may be over summer, autumn and spring, when the weather is favourable. Please note we may only be able to provide you with a notification of the burn, on the day before or on the morning of the burn.
Contact Council’s Fire Prevention Team
Phone: 9205 2200
Email: emergencymanagement@hume.vic.gov.au
How often are the burns, and how long do they burn for?
- Council may conduct more than one planned burn in a day.
- In most cases, a planned burn will last for up to three hours.
- The amount of smoke varies depending on the time of day, the dryness and type of vegetation that is being burnt. Changes in wind direction may result in smoke going over multiple areas.
Can I drive near a planned burn?
- Avoid driving where the planned burn is occurring.
- If you must drive near where the planned burn is occurring, you should turn on the headlights and the vents should be circulating air from within the vehicle and not from the outside.
- Take extra care as smoke may make it hard to see.
- If the smoke is impacting on your ability to drive, pull over to a safe spot and wait for the smoke to clear. It will usually clear in a few minutes.
- Traffic may be managed where smoke may affect local roads.
Tips for looking after your health during the burns:
- If you have health queries relating to smoke exposure you should seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
- To reduce your exposure to smoke when you are at home:
- Stay indoors,
- Keep all windows and doors closed,
- Place towels or blankets around the bottom of doors and windows,
- Switch air conditioning to recycle or recirculate. Avoid air conditioners if they pull air from outside.
- If you are concerned about your pets, you can bring them inside.
- Visit EPA’s website for tips on looking after your health during this time.
I see and/or smell smoke, should I assume that it’s a Council planned burn?
- You shouldn’t assume that it’s a Council planned burn.
- Monitor the situation and stay informed of fires across your area, using more than one source, such as the:
- Call 000 if it’s an emergency.