State and local government agencies will join forces this month for a hazard-reduction burn on unallocated state land at Duyfken Point, on western Cape York Peninsula.

Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said the department was working with Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council to organise the burn as part of its pro-active approach to fire management.

Mr Wallace said the primary purpose of planned burns was to reduce large quantities of dry grass and minimise the risk of wildfires.

“The goal is to hold these planned burns when conditions are good so we reduce the hazard before the wildfire season strikes," Mr Wallace said.

"Weather-wise this is a perfect time to start these operations because the falling overnight temperatures produce enough dew to dampen the ground and retard fire spread."

Mr Wallace said hazard-reduction burns were designed to produce low-intensity, slow-moving fires that remove accumulated fuel loads such as dry grasses and weeds.

"The lighting pattern for each burn is planned to create a wildlife corridor so that slow-moving native animals can easily escape the low intensity flames.

“These incomplete burns also leave uncured vegetation for the native animals to graze.”

NRW manager, vegetation management and use, Paul Horrocks, said departmental officers would be starting a back-burn along Pennefather Road next Monday (18 June), weather permitting.

"This back-burn will create a fire break for the actual hazard reduction burn, which should start around 19 June and be completed by 29 June," Mr Horrocks said.

"We will notify anyone who may be affected by the smoke, and are also asking anyone with respiratory problems to take adequate precautions.

“Fire officers will try hard to minimise the inconvenience, but in the end this program is essential. It’s a pro-active way of reducing the risk wildfires pose to our communities and infrastructure.”

Mr Horrocks said representatives from the Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council would also take part in the operation.

Media contact: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’s office on 3896 3694.