In the last few years the question, and the resulting discussion, of when and if reduction burns to reduce the fire risk in a bush fire prone area are necessary, has been the subject of debate.
Reduction burning is also known as prescribed burning (prescribed, controlled and planned burns are also the same thing) and is the process of planning and applying fire to a predetermined area, under specific environmental conditions, to achieve a desired outcome; usually a reduced fuel load.
When is this likely to occur?
In Queensland reductions burns are carried out over the autumn and winter months. In Western Australia in regions with wet and dry seasons, such as the
Kimberley for example, burning is conducted from May through to September (late wet to early dry season), when the winds are predictable and the ground vegetation is not fully cured, fires then tend to be of relatively low intensity, patchy and limited in extent.
In Queensland for example, a Planned Burning Alert has already been issued for the
Main Range National Park; specifically this is for the
Cunninghams Gap, Spicers Gap, Mt Mathieson,
Condamine Gorge, Mt Double Top, Mt Huntely and Steamer Range areas during the autumn and winter seasons.
It is important that when planning a trip, a
check is made on whether reduction burns are planned for the region(s) of interest. The time for reductions burns will vary according to the location on the Australian continent.
Whilst it is appreciated that all efforts will be made by the authorities to limit disruption to roads, car parks and tracks, there will inevitably be closures for indeterminate periods.
Plan and
check accordingly.