Fire probe done

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Fire probe done

Hectic time: a fire bombing helicopter extinguishs flames during the Hallston blaze.

THE Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) has completed a review into the planned burn that breached control lines at Hallston near Mirboo North on March 26.

In an anouncement made this afternoon, the DEPI said the  review looked at what happened and why, and what needs to change to reduce the likelihood of this happening again.

The review found that while a risk assessment of the burn was undertaken prior to it being lit and it was conducted within the required prescriptions, it was carried out in marginal conditions in an area with high fuel loads.

It also found more strategic consideration should be given to the scheduling of planned burns and the timing of other adjacent burns, and nearby fuel hazards.

DEPI Gippsland land and fire regional manager Grange Jephcott said: “In summary what we have learnt is that we need to do a broader analysis of the specific risks involved before, during and after the burn, and make sure those risks are communicated thoroughly to the people involved

in the burn at all levels.

“With careful planning, preparation and management few burns cause problems, but planned burning will always have risks. However less than two per cent of burns breach control lines.

“We understand that the resulting bushfire was concerning to the community and we undertook this review of events to examine how we can improve our processes.”

DEPI is meeting with neighbouring landholders to report on the main outcomes of the review.

Actions have been developed based on the outcomes of this review which will now be implemented at both a local and a state level.

DEPI said significant work has been carried out to assist affected landholders with recovery. This recovery work commenced as soon as it was safe to do so on Thursday, March 28.

All the damaged fence lines have been removed and the fencing repairs are being completed.

Rehabilitation of control lines and resowing of control lines on private property is underway. Local crews have helped feed stock and replaced 100 round bales of hay.

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Posted by on May 30 2013. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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