Debate persists over planned burns' ability to reduce wildfire risk in Victoria, while climate change complicates their effectiveness.

Debate over planned burns, or hazard-reduction burns, continues as some scientists argue they may increase wildfire risk, while others support their use for clearing undergrowth and reducing large-scale bushfire risk. In Victoria, 276,100 hectares of land are slated for planned burning, with a focus on strategic, smaller burns near townships to protect regional communities. Climate change's impact on fire patterns adds uncertainty to the effectiveness of planned burns.