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Press Releases4 April 2005 Fire at Royal Botanic Gardens CranbourneA fire which started at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne (RBGC) on Friday 1 April continued to burn on Saturday 2 April. The fire spread south through the Stringybark Picnic Area and then spotted into grassland on neighbouring properties to the south-east. There was some damage to facilities in the Stringybark Picnic Area. On Saturday, the fire did start small spot fires in the private grassland to the south, however these were brought under control quickly by CFA crews who were patrolling the area. Thrity-five fire trucks, three aircraft and 165 CFA personnel were involved in working with the RBGC staff throughout the weekend to extinguish the fire. The fire is now out, although there are still several hot-spots which are being monitored hourly. More warm weather is forecast for the week ahead, so these areas will be watched closely. RBGC is temporarily closed while RBGC staff are evaluating the situation and working to make RBGC safe for visitors, before it is re-opened to the public. The Royal Botanic Gardens has a fire management plan that incorporates the controlled use of fire to maintain heathland biodiversity. This plan involves the strategic ecological burning of selected small patches of heathland in spring or autumn. Media enquiries: Penny Underwood, 9818 8540 Issued by the Royal Botanic Gardens and the CFA.
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Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne incorporates the National Herbarium of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology.