RECENTLY the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) organised a hazard reduction burn along the escarpment between Knoll Point and Beacon Road.
This burn was conducted over the weekend of Saturday September 21 and Sunday September 22, with follow-up patrols for the following week.
Residents in the area were anxious about fire risk to their properties as there had not been a burn in the area for over ten years and with recent regular rains, the fuel load had increased to a worrying level, also increasing the risk of bushfire.
This operation had been planned for several years but only recently had funds been made available.
A great deal of planning is required for such a burn, the weather conditions have to be suitable, and the vegetation must not be too wet or dry.
This is to ensure that the fire burns in a controlled fashion and at a temperature that doesn’t destroy seeds in the ground, but destroys weeds such as lantana, which had been choking out young native seedlings.
In conducting the planned burn, QPWS utilised 14 rangers and three fire appliances and Rural Fire Service supplied 12 volunteer fire fighters and four fire appliances.
Over 40 residents were notified by mail, and more than 20 had direct contact with the staff.
This was carried out over a weekend with more than 200 hours of volunteers’ time.
Many residents assisted the burn by clearing their own properties of debris and by supporting the “Firies” any way they could, including supplying refreshments.
Local resident, Howard Stevens was relieved the burn had been carried out so successfully.
“On behalf of the residents involved, I would like to thank John Grayson and all the volunteers for their friendly and efficient work in helping to keep our homes safe,” he said.
This was a great example of cooperation between fire management personnel and the residents and could be encouraged further in the future, as working together for the common good creates understanding and good will.
For for up-to-date information and resources, please check the QPWS website.
