Mild summer weather and conducive autumn forecasts have emboldened Victorian fire authorities to embark on an ambitious controlled burn operation.
Wet weather caused by La Niña has produced higher forest moisture levels and lower temperatures, creating an ideal opportunity for planned burning throughout 2022.
The state government is planning around 1400 burns planned through to 2025, but said the majority is due to occur over the next two months to reduce fuel loads and regenerate plant species diversity.
By contrast, 470 burns were completed in the 2020-21 financial year, covering more than 133,000 hectares of public land.
Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said:
“We need to burn when conditions are right, to reduce the risk of fighting larger bushfires later – it’s crucial we are prepared for bushfires especially as their frequency and severity increases due to climate change.”