Council Commences 2023 Planned Burn Season

South Burnett Regional Councillor Scott Henschen said, “The first hazard reduction burn of the season will be carried out at Boondooma Reserve from the 26, 27 and 28 of April. Other priority sites include Staines Road Reserve, Wondai East and Showgrounds and Wondai West will undergo burns before September, if conditions are suitable.”

“Planned burns are an essential practice for us to help reduce fuel loads, such as grasses and dense undergrowth, and mitigate the risk of bushfires in our reserves while enhancing biodiversity,” Cr Henschen said.

Council collaborates with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and local Rural Fire Brigades (RFB) to execute each burn. RFB conduct each burn in accordance with a QFES Prescribed Burn Plan, which outlines the ideal temperature, fuel moisture, wind speed and direction, and humidity level to conduct the burn.

Each year the burn ‘window of opportunity’ is typically during the cooler months between April and September, and we’re pleased to be on schedule this year after the wet weather delayed last year’s season.

Before each burn RFB undertake a meticulous analysis of conditions including identifying ideal temperatures, fuel moisture, wind speed and direction, and humidity levels to conduct the burn under ‘cool burn’ conditions.

“Council considers impacts to flora, fauna, and our surrounding communities, and use a range of techniques to conduct safe planned burns to maintain and improve biodiversity and ecological values for the natural environment. We’re always extremely mindful of the effects that smoke from planned burns may have on neighbours and visitors and appreciate their understanding while we work with the relevant agencies on this safety initiative,” said Cr Henschen.

For further information contact Council on 4189 9100 or email info@sbrc.qld.gov.au.