Reports released last week show the Department of Sustainability and Environment only burned 16 per cent of its target in the Yarra Ranges region, or 1818 hectares of the planned 11,400 hectares.

But in the less-populated north-east of the state, where more than 20 towns are at an extreme risk, the DSE burnt 64,969 hectares and achieved 150 per cent of its goal.

Upper Ferntree Gully resident Julie Lendram said she had a basic fire plan in place but was concerned when she heard the state government had not met their target.

"I think authorities should be doing as much as they can to ensure land is clear," she said.

Upwey resident Graham Jones said that although it was disappointing the fuel load targets hadn't been met, it was also up to residents to be responsible for themselves.

"We've all seen the devastating affects of the Black Saturday bushfires," he said.

DSE chief fire officer Ewan Waller said planned burns were conducted where they would have the most impact to reduce loss to property and life, maintain essential services, and to provide ecological benefits.

Mr Waller said that in 2010-11 more than 12,000 hectares were prepared for planned burning but wet conditions allowed the DSE to complete 103 burns to treat 1800 hectares.

"The wetter conditions experienced in the first part of 2011 reduced the opportunity to conduct planned burning in some areas."

Mr Waller said the statewide target was a rolling target.

"This means the shortfall can be made up in other more favourable years. The DSE will maximise burning when conditions are supportive. This will result in some years being over and other years being under."