FOREST Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) will take advantage of favourable weather and forest conditions across the state to help reduce the risk of bushfires to communities and the environment, including planned burns on the Mornington Peninsula and French Island.
FFMVic Deputy Chief Fire Officer Tamara Beckett said planned burning is one of the most important tools firefighters use to reduce the size, intensity and impact of future bushfires.
“Reducing fuels like grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and small fallen branches means fires burn less intensely, spread more slowly and are safer for our firefighters to control,” she said.
“Autumn is generally the best time for planned burns because the weather is more stable and fire behaviour is easier to predict.”
“When the weather and forest conditions are right, we’ll make sure all available crews and resources are out delivering planned burning.”
This year,44 planned burns are prepared and ready for ignition in DEECA’s Port Phillip Region, including the Mornington Peninsula and French Island.
Peninsula burns are planned at Tuerong, Dromana, Arthurs Seat, McCrae and Main Ridge.
“While planned burning is our most effective tool to reduce fuel‑driven bushfire risk, we use many other methods in areas where burning isn’t suitable and as part of a cohesive strategy,” said Beckett.
“We work closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess humidity, temperature, wind speed and other weather conditions. Burns only proceed when it is safe and conditions are right.”
While planned burning does produce smoke, the smoke is usually lower in intensity and shorter‑lasting than smoke from a large, uncontrolled bushfire. Communities are notified in advance so people can take steps to reduce their exposure.
Victorians can register for the latest updates about where and when FFMVic is delivering planned burning at: plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au
First published in the Mornington News – 31 March 2026
