THE Tooradin CFA is working to reduce fire danger to local properties adjoining a disused railway line with a number of prescribed burns over the coming weeks.
The first of the planned burns for Tooradin took place on Monday night, with members working into the night.
The area of focus is along the disused railway line in Tooradin North and preparation and planning has involved consultation with the land owners Victrack, CFA Vegetation Management, Tooradin CFA and residents in the area.
Tooradin Fire Brigade Captain David Bulman said these fuel reduction burns provided an ideal opportunity to provide a defensive break for the properties should a grass fire progress rapidly from the north.
“Over recent years the area has developed with many small acreage properties being established and since the railway ceased operations in the 1980s, the area has progressively become overgrown with blackberries and long grass,” he said.
“A number of community meetings have been conducted and residents are welcoming the pro-active approach CFA are taking in reducing the risk within their area.”
Capt Bulman said the timing of the burns, which are prescribed to occur in spring and autumn outside of the fire danger period, are heavily reliant on suitable weather conditions.
“The brigade is working with all parties to ensure that the works are carried out at suitable times,” he said.
