The warmer weather is on its way and with it comes the threat of grass fires and bushfires.
Parks Victoria is rising to the challenge with its annual fuel reduction program to reduce the risk of fire across 12 parks in the west, including Organ Pipes National Park, Point Cook Coastal Park, Maribyrnong Valley Parklands and Kororoit Creek Streamside Reserve.
Staff will be slashing grass, removing weeds at the sites and maintaining fire access tracks and fuel breaks – gaps in vegetation that help stop or control the spread of fire.
Several planned burn-offs are also on the cards.
Parks Victoria fire and emergency operations senior manager Anthony Maxwell said the fuel reduction program was essential to help protect communities living close to grasslands and forested parks.
“Fire can spread quickly,” Mr Maxwell said.
“Our work to reduce fuel loads is an important part of managing the landscape in urban areas.
“Reducing fuel will not by itself stop a major bushfire, but it is crucial to ensure the safest possible access for firefighters and to provide a vital fuel buffer to nearby homes.
“Bushfires and grass fires can move rapidly and generate a large amount of heat.”
Mr Maxwell called on residents to do their bit by keeping grass short on their properties, clearing gutters, pruning shrubs and trees, and removing rubbish from around their homes.
For a full list of the fire prevention works sites, click here
