Smoke haze in Melbourne: Fire authority warns motorists to take care during controlled burns

DON’T panic about the smoky haze coming from Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs, the state government says.

DON’T panic about the smoky haze across Melbourne’s outer east, the state government says.

Firefighters have been doing controlled backburning of more than 60ha of scrub in Ferny Creek over the last two days, Forest Fire Management Victoria says.

A view of the backburn last night from a Basin resident’s back deck.

Burns are also underway along the Mountain Highway from Boronia to Sassafras.

FFMVic assistant chief fire officer Dan White said there would be 19.5ha burned in Janesdell Ave today, while smoke is still settling from the 35ha Helen Track burn yesterday.

He said there were 127 firefighters controlling the burns.

“Smoke and haze will be present around these burns — both during and after,” Mr White said.

“When smoke is present, road travel may be hazardous due low visibility.

“Take care driving, slow down, turn on your headlights and obey all traffic signs.”

He said there was a controlled burn program underway across the state and smoke would be visible throughout the region.

“We understand that smoke from planned burns may cause concern for some people, but it’s important that our crews take every opportunity while conditions are right to reduce bushfire risk,” Mr White said.

He said anyone experiencing smoke-related health issues should contact Nurse-on-Call on 1300 606 024.