Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Thursday, 12 November, 2020. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

POSTPONED: Planned burn alert for Young's Block, Shepp-Mooroopna Causeway

Previously scheduled for today (Thursday 12 November) the planned burn (shown in blue on the map) is being rescheduled due to wet conditions for earlier next week, again depending on the weather conditions. The burn will be completed over 3-4 days.

Please observe traffic management in place along the Causeway while the burn is being conducted. All roads and tracks within the Shepparton Regional Park will be closed to the public while the burn is being completed.

We are aware of a number of homeless people in the reserve; they have been communicated with face-to-face on many occasions and Forest Fire Management Victoria are aware of their movements.

Weather conditions and fuel moisture levels are being monitored regularly.

What to do about:

SMOKE
- Some planned burns can produce heavy smoke.
- Smoke can travel long distances. It may also settle in valleys and other low-lying areas, especially overnight.
- Think about how smoke from this burn may affect you and what precautions to take to reduce your exposure.
- Avoid physical activity during smoky conditions.
- Remain inside, if possible. Close windows and doors to prevent smoke from entering buildings and vehicles.
- If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, the Department of Health and Human Services advises that you should seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
ROAD TRAVEL
- Road travel may be hazardous if smoke causes low visibility.
- Crews in fire-fighting vehicles will be using local roads to access the burn area.
- Road signs may be in place to slow traffic. Obey all traffic signs and instructions from fire agency crews and traffic management crews near planned burns.
- For travel times and roadworks check traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au
RESTRICTED ACCESS TO PLANNED BURN AREAS
- Be aware of planned burning happening in your local area or in areas you plan to visit. See plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au for where burns are about to occur.
- The status of a burn can change quickly. Be prepared to change your plans and stay away from areas where burns are taking place.
- Access may be restricted where planned burning is being carried out – this can include forests, parks, national parks, state government and council reserves and along roadsides.
- Access may be restricted:
  - while final preparations are being made before the burn is carried out
  - during planned burning operations
  - in areas that have recently been burnt
  - while post-burn safety checks are being completed
- During these periods you may not be able to access some roads, walking tracks, car parks, camping grounds, picnic sites and other recreation areas.
- Access will be permitted once the planned burn is declared safe – see plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au for the current status of FFMVic and CFA burns.

Stay informed about this planned burn

Visit plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au
Call the VicEmergency Hotline on freecall 1800 226 226
- Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech or communication impairment can contact via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677

For further information about planned burning

Visit ffm.vic.gov.au/plannedburn for information about why planned burns are carried out on public land (including forests, national parks and state government parks and reserves).
Visit cfa.vic.gov.au/about/planned-burns for information about why planned burns are carried out on private land (including private property, council parks and reserves, railway and road reserves).