Recent rains fail to dampen bushfire risk

Recent widespread heavy rains have not dampened the bushfire risk this year with high potential grassfire risk covering about ¾ of the State, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said.

Mr Roberts told Parliament that recent rains had put a temporary halt on controlled burns in the south-east part of the State.

“Fire authorities are concerned recent rain will reduce the time for controlled burning and hazard reduction in high risk areas,” he said.

“Controlled burns are a practice used by fires services, land owners and land managers to reduce the threat of bushfire – particularly in the lead up to the traditional Queensland bushfire season, which starts during late winter.”

“Ironically, the current bushfire risk in Queensland was exacerbated as a result of rains in January, February and March this year fueling growth in grasslands and shrubs.”

“Fire authorities are expecting and planning for a busier than normal bushfire season this year.”

The latest potential grassfire risk map for Queensland can be found at http://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/RainfallAndPastureGrowth/Qld/2000s/2008/May/Pasture_GrassFireRisk.gif

5 June 2008
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350