Fire management

Fire is a natural part of the Australian environment. With lightning and indigenous burning practices having shaped our ecosystems over tens of thousands of years, many of our plants are reliant on bushfire to regenerate and maintain their health.

We work alongside other agencies to reduce the risk and impact of bushfire through careful management of parks and reserves.

As part of managing Victoria's parks and reserves, Parks Victoria supports the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) as part of Forest Fire Management Victoria to prepare for, fight and recover from bushfires on public land. 

Hear from some of the 800 rangers, project firefighters, and office staff who work together as part of Forest Fire Management Victoria to protect local communities and our unique natural environment from the impacts of bushfire.

Safer Together

A new approach to reducing the risk of bushfire in Victoria.

Prepare

We work year round to prepare parks and reserves to reduce the potential impact of fire through planned burning and other fuel reduction.

Respond

Around 70 percent of Parks Victoria staff are trained in specific fire fighting roles. Each summer, many rangers and office staff are deployed to fight fires in parks and forests across the state.

Recover

Many recent bushfires have burnt large sections of our national parks and forests. Parks Victoria works to rebuild and reopen bushfire affected areas and support the natural environment in its recovery.

Hear how plants and animals in parks recover after fire. Parks Victoria has over 800 rangers, project firefighters, and office staff who work together as part of Forest Fire Management Victoria to protect local communities and our unique natural environment from the impacts of bushfire.

Ecology

Fire is a natural part of the Australian environment. With lightning and indigenous burning practices having shaped our ecosystems over tens of thousands of years, many of our plants are reliant on bushfire to regenerate and maintain their health. In line with this, Parks Victoria also uses planned ecological burning to support and develop biodiversity values in our parks.

Vegetation removal on a public land boundary

Fuel break grass slashing occurs annually along many park boundaries as part of bushfire preparedness works. Maps of grass slashing locations can be found as part of the Joint Fuel Management Plan. 

Find out about when and why grass slashing happens. 

Stay safe

It's always a great time to enjoy a visit to a park. Find out how you can stay safe when you visit during the bushfire season.

Fire affected parks

Parks Victoria will close parks to protect public safety in response to bushfires and days of certain fire danger ratings. Check conditions before you visit, especially if it is hot, dry, and windy and keep out of closed parks for your own safety. Stay informed and be prepared to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable during the bushfire season.

Forest firefighters' presumptive rights compensation scheme

FFMVic firefighters who are diagnosed with certain types of cancers may be able to access compensation through the Forest Firefighters Presumptive Rights Compensation Scheme (the scheme).

The scheme applies to staff with firefighting roles from a range of Victorian Government agencies, including staff from DEECA, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, VicForests, DJSIR, and their predecessor organisations.

FFMVic firefighters are eligible to access the scheme if they:

• were diagnosed as having a specified cancer on or after 1 June 2016; and
• are a current forest firefighter or have been a forest firefighter within the last 10 years; and
• have served the required period (between 5-25 years, depending on the cancer) or can demonstrate attendance at an exceptional exposure event; and
• attended fires to the extent reasonably necessary to fulfil the purpose of their service as a firefighter.

All claims will be assessed by WorkSafe with support from the Forests (Forest Firefighters Presumptive Rights Compensation) Advisory Committee, which is made up of individuals with expertise and experience in forest firefighting, scientific research on the relationship between firefighters; occupational exposure and cancers, or Australian law or public administration.

The Advisory Committee provides advice on the eligibility of individual forest firefighters to receive the presumption. The committee also considers whether forest firefighters who do not meet the qualifying period requirement may be eligible for special consideration if they demonstrate attendance at an exceptional exposure event.

To find out more, visit WorkSafe Victoria or call the DEECA Customer Service Centre on 1800 957 219.