 Rural
Firefighting News
with Tony Belton
Hazard Reduction Burning
 A local rural fire crew undertake hazard reduction in grasslands.
This last weekend saw some decent rain around the hills, but unfortunately, it was fairly localised, and has all but dried up as I write.
The Rural Fire Service is “battening down” for a very serious fire season, and has produced a new bright red Fire Wise fire safety pamphlet. Keep your eye out for it.
We will be distributing it in rural areas, via the post, as well as at rural stores.
Hazard reduction has been in the news of late. Under the Rural Fires Act, all land owners and managers will be accountable to manage the fire risk on their properties and, more particularly, to carry out hazard reduction work that is needed to achieve this.
The first thing that probably comes into many peoples mind is fire! Well, not necessarily.
While fire is an excellent tool in hazard reduction, it may not necessarily be appropriate.
The weather might not be conducive – the windows of opportunity for a safe, cool burn are very narrow. The risk of a hazard reduction becoming a wild fire is very real and considerable planning, and resourcing is required for a successful outcome. The tragic loss of life in the Kuringai National Park, a couple of years ago, is a reminder of the unpredictability of fire.
Other alternatives for hazard reduction are grazing, mowing/ slashing, ploughing or tilling the soil, and removing the fuel itself, either mechanically or manually.
Pruning, mowing and raking around your assets (house, sheds etc), can be very effective hazard reduction measures. If you have a bush block, ensure that you have a perimeter fire break, as well as good access around the property.
If a landowner or manager contemplates a hazard reduction using fire, the onus is on that person to ensure that they are complying with all aspects of the Rural Fires Act, and any other Council or environmental conditions and requirements.
As I’ve said before, it’s too late to consider it if a fire is heading your way! Hazard reduction and property preparation are things you do in anticipation and preparation of the fire season.
A couple of weekends ago, the Lismore Training team conducted yet another successful Rural Fire Driving course. It’s one thing to have a truck license, but totally another to drive a 12-13 ton 4x4 fire tanker (with considerable off-road capability) and to be responsible for the vehicle as well as the safety of up to six crew members.
The NSW Rural Fire Service, has a very comprehensive web site, were a lot of fire safety information is available. The address is www.bushfire.nsw.gov.au
The NSW RFS Info Hotline is 1800 654 443.
Local information can be found by ringing your local Fire Control Centre listed in the White pages under Rural Fire Service.
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