Walking tracks throughout the Dandenong Ranges have been closed while Forest Fire Management (FFM) undertakes debris burns.
Piles of debris are being ignited at Ramu Track in Ferny Creek, Trig Track and Ferngully Grove in Kalorama and Board Track in Silvan.
FFM Metro District Manager Dan White said the burning in the Dandenong Ranges National Park is part of “ongoing bushfire risk management activities”.
“The piles are made up of cleared storm debris and vegetation that’s been removed along fuel breaks to enable access for emergency vehicles and reduce bushfire risk,” Mr White said.
“These piles are what’s left after materials have been removed and reused for habitat and biodiversity, community and other park uses.”
The debris is expected to remain alight for a number of days, with FFM crews patrolling burn piles until the area is safe.
“For safety reasons, we ask park users to please respect track closures and avoid areas where we have crews and machinery operating,” Mr White said.
“We’re taking the opportunity to burn the debris while conditions allow and it is safe to do so.”
To check when the tracks will re-open, visit www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns or call 1800 226 226 – if a burn is marked ‘safe’ the track will be open.
Residents are advised to close windows and doors of buildings if the smoke is impacting their area.
To find out when and where planned burns, including debris piles, are happening near you, visit or sign up at www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns or call 1800 226 226.
