Autumn prescribed burns to begin around Eyre Peninsula

A number of burns are planned around Eyre Peninsula by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) as part of the autumn prescribed burn program.

Burns are planned for Lincoln National Park, Venus Bay Conservation Reserve, Bascombe Well Conservation Park and Pinkawillinie Conservation Park, as well as private land north of Tulka.

DEW’s Fire Management Officer Aaron Macumber 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 Macumber said.

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

“Many of these burns can create a significant smoke column, which is normal for burns of this size in mallee vegetation.

“Many areas of Australia have been impacted by bushfires this year which highlights the importance of this program to reduce risks to our community.

“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”.

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.

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.

The burns will be planned and carried out by DEW and the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS).

Members of the community can keep track of planned burns in their area via the interactive map of upcoming prescribed burns by visiting www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/fire-management/upcoming-prescribed-burns

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