General News
23 December, 2025
CFA volunteers commence roadside burns
IN the coming weeks locals can expect to see smoke across the district as the CFA’s roadside burning program continues. Volunteers undertake these burns every year when conditions permit, and the practise had a wide range of benefits. Our roadsides can act as a wick when wildfire strikes. Any reduction in flammable material can slow the fire and allow fire fighters to control its reach.
Those who have witnessed past fires will know the relief felt when a road with clear breaks both sides has pulled the fire up and helped save further destruction.
The burns also benefit native vegetation. This is especially so for the grasses that were once so prevalent in our district but are now under threat.
The Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority has made it clear that it values the work the CFA does in helping manage roadside vegetation.
In a recent letter thanking the Willaura Brigade, the Authority wrote, “Native grasslands greatly benefit from regular burning (every 2-3 years) as it reduces grass and weed cover, opens up inter-tussock space and creates conditions suitable for native wildflowers to grow and set seed.”
The letter went on to say, “There are many reasons for maintaining good quality in native grasslands, but one of the benefits is that the fuel load is significantly lower than introduced grasses (i.e. Phalaris); this therefore reduces the risks to the adjacent landholders and community in the event of a grassfire.”
Willaura Brigade Captain, Joel Michell, said roadside burns are an important part of the brigades fire preparation.
“In light of the December 2024 Grampians fires, the risk this year of fast-moving grass fires jumping our roads is at a high due to excess fuel loads from recent rains. These roadside burns are essential in our efforts to minimise that risk and maintain the safety of our community. All the volunteers who crew both our CFA tankers, and our extensive private unit fleet, are to be commended for their efforts in doing so,” he said.