Break reduces bushfire risk

An 11 km fuel break recently completed within Barmah National Park will help reduce bushfire risk to residents and surrounding communities.

Forest Fire Management Victoria Hume deputy chief fire officer Aaron Kennedy said fuel breaks were critical to protecting communities, catchments and the environment from bushfires.

“They do this by making it easier, faster and safer for firefighters to suppress fires and reduce fuel loads in key areas,” Mr Kenndey said.

“Works included mulching of vegetation on either side of Gulf Track and the removal of hazardous trees to provide safer access for firefighters responding to bushfires in the area.

“The works are part of a major project which will see both new and existing breaks constructed and strengthened across the north-east of Victoria.

“An expanded network of fuel breaks will support our planned burning and mechanical fuel treatment program.

“These works complement community and private landholder actions undertaken to reduce bushfire risk.”

The project was delivered by FFMVic in consultation with Parks Victoria and Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation.

▯ For more information on the Strategic Fuel Break Program, visit: www.ffm.vic. gov.au/bushfire-fuel -and-risk-management/ strategic-fuel-breaksprogram