Burn-off … Fire crews from the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria set fire to native grasslands at Victoria University’s Iramoo centre on Wednesday. 59849 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Belinda Nolan
Fire crews from the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parks Victoria set fire to 10 hectares of native grasslands at Victoria University’s Iramoo centre on Wednesday in a bid to stop the spread of serrated tussock.
The invasive weed has infested the protected grasslands in recent months, with wind and rain helping the spread.
Three grasslands were burnt, including the Iramoo, Featherheads and Pimelea Grasslands.
Iramoo business manager Wendy Lang said notices had been posted warning residents to close their windows and doors and bring pets and washing inside to protect them from smoke.
Announcements were also made on radio stations to ensure that residents did not panic when spotting smoke and flames.
Parks Victoria officer Greg Hitch, who was in charge of the burn, said the initiative would revitalise the grasslands.
“The burn will not only refresh the native grasses and create the right conditions for germination, it will also provide fuel reduction as an added benefit,” Mr Hitch said.
Mr Hitch said it was decided to go ahead with the burn due to milder conditions on Wednesday.
“I know it’s really unusual to be burning during fire season but if the conditions are suitable then we will continue running carefully planned burns.
“When we get these good opportunities we’ll burn as much as we safely can, so then try to even out for the years when the weather and conditions mean we are forced to do less.”
Ms Lang encouraged residents to help protect the grasslands by clearing blown grass from around their homes.
“This is vital work to protect the native grasslands, which are a valuable local asset.”
