As part of managing Victoria's parks and reserves, Parks Victoria supports the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) to prepare for, fight and recover from bushfires on public land.

Prepare

We work year round to prepare parks and reserves to reduce the potential impact of fire through planned burning and other fuel reduction. The $21 million Melbourne Bushfire Protection Program is improving the fire preparedness of our urban and fringe parklands.

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.

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.

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. Find out more...

Code Red Fire Danger

On days of forecast Code Red Fire Danger, Parks Victoria and the DSE will close parks and forests (including state forests and national parks) in the relevant weather district for public safety. Click here for a list of closures.

Total fire bans

The CFA website lists Total Fire Bans in place in Victoria as well as providing detailed information about what you can and can't do on a day of Total Fire Ban. Parks closed on days of Total Fire Ban are listed here.