Hazard reduction burns are now happening across Moreton Bay in preparation of the new bushfire season.
The city council manages more than 10,000 hectares of bush and relies on Bureau of Meteorology forecasts to determine suitable days.
Mayor Peter Flannery says their burns result from extensive planning and preparation.
“Moreton Bay is home to more than 360 species of native and migratory birds. Our residents regularly spot koalas and kangaroos and a recent project showed our platypus population is going strong, with sightings across 37 creeks and waterways,” he says.
Planned burns minimise the risk and severity of bushfires by reducing available ground fuels, council says.
ROLE OF REDUCTION BURNS
“Hazard reduction burns in Moreton Bay not only protect our communities but also support the health of our local environment by encouraging natural regeneration and maintaining habitat diversity,” Flannery says.
“In fact, some plants like banksias and gum trees rely on fire or smoke to trigger seed release and growth.”
Pre-planning for burns involves a thorough site assessment to identify at-risk vegetation and wildlife.
“Our fire management team will then rake around trees to protect significant habitats, with a fauna spotter on site during burns to monitor wildlife,” Flannery explains.
Aerial incendiary drones introduced last year means the first planned burn at Otto Road, Toorbul, since 2014 will be carried out this season.
These drones drop small incendiary pellets from above to allow crews to carry out precise burns.
All hazard reduction burns in Queensland require specific, approved environmental conditions to ensure fires can be controlled; click here to view current Qld alerts.
The typical burn season runs from March to August but they can happen at any time, council says.
“When the conditions are right, our teams will light. If a planned burn is happening nearby, you may notice some smoke, so residents with asthma or respiratory issues are advised stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed,” Flannery says.
“Our teams will closely monitor sites until the area is deemed safe. As a precaution, people are advised to keep away from the burn site during the days immediately following.”
To learn more, click here or sign up to MoretonAlert to receive notifications of planned burns.
EARLIER BUSHFIRE STORIES: Incendiary drones used to start planned burns
