Autumn prescribed burns to begin around Eyre Peninsula

News article | 28 February 2018

A number of burns are planned around Eyre Peninsula by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) as part of its autumn Prescribed Burn Program. Burns are planned for Lincoln National Park, Mungerowie Scrub (SA Water land south of Big Swamp), Munyaroo Conservation Park, Venus Bay Conservation Reserve, Bascombe Well Conservation Park and Pinkawillinie Conservation Park.

A number of burns are planned around Eyre Peninsula by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) as part of its autumn Prescribed Burn Program.

Burns are planned for Lincoln National Park, Mungerowie Scrub (SA Water land south of Big Swamp), Munyaroo Conservation Park, Venus Bay Conservation Reserve, Bascombe Well Conservation Park and Pinkawillinie Conservation Park.

DEWNR’s Fire Management Officer on Eyre Peninsula, Joe Tilley, said the program will begin as soon as weather conditions are suitable, with a burn at the entry of Lincoln National Park to be amongst the first.

“We are constantly looking for the right weather conditions to conduct prescribed burns and assessing the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecasts and it is likely planned burns could begin within a week,” Mr Tilley said.

“Prescribed burns create fuel-reduced areas to limit the spread of bushfires in strategic areas.”

The burns will be planned and carried out by DEWNR, the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) and SA Water.

“Many of these burns can create a significant smoke column, which is normal for burns of this size in Mallee,” Mr Tilley said.

“While these planned burns help to reduce the risk and impact of bushfire, it is important that people also take measures on their own properties so collectively we can make a difference.” Prescribed burns will only be carried out when it is deemed safe to do so and may be cancelled at short notice.

Fire crews will remain on site until it is safe to leave. Keep track of planned burns in your area on the interactive map of upcoming prescribed burns on the DEWNR website. (http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/fire-management/upcoming-prescribed-burns)

Prescribed burning is primarily used to reduce bushfire fuel hazards, manage native vegetation and protect biodiversity in strategic areas of South Australia.

Reducing fuel loads through prescribed burning is crucial as it can make it easier to control a bushfire, provide a safer environment for firefighters, and ultimately save people’s lives and property.

For the most up-to-date information on prescribed burns follow @SADEWNR on Twitter.