Published Tuesday, 16 December, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Minister for Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
Rain douses bushfire season
A combination of rain and seasonal conditions has resulted in a reduction in the number of permits issued to light fire as part of Queensland landowners’ hazard reduction strategy.
Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts said changing weather patterns meant widespread rain had decreased the main bush fire threat.
“The 2008 bushfire season – usually declared from mid-August to late October – was effectively cut short due to the early onset of the storm season and associated flooding across many areas of the state,” he said.
“As well, hazard reduction work supported by QFRS staff and undertaken by RFS volunteers prior to the start of the season, which includes hazard reduction burning and bushfire prepared community workshops, have all assisted to reduce the bushfire risk across the state,” he said.
There have been a few more than 2900 permits to light fire issued across Queensland from July to September this year, compared with 12718 for the entire 2006-07 year and 8927 in 2007-08 year.
The Minister also emphasised that the decision to initiate hazard reduction burns was ultimately a decision for the landowner.
“And we need to be aware that, as conditions have not been conducive to conducting burns this year, it may mean that landowners will need to take steps to reduce fuel loads prior to next year’s fire season,” Mr Roberts said.
Permit numbers are based on reports provided by fire wardens. A fire permit is required to burn any area greater than two metres in any direction.
Other government agencies, such as Queensland Parks and Wildlife do not require permits to conduct hazard reduction on their own lands.
Media Contact – Malcolm Grieve, 0427 822 676
Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts said changing weather patterns meant widespread rain had decreased the main bush fire threat.
“The 2008 bushfire season – usually declared from mid-August to late October – was effectively cut short due to the early onset of the storm season and associated flooding across many areas of the state,” he said.
“As well, hazard reduction work supported by QFRS staff and undertaken by RFS volunteers prior to the start of the season, which includes hazard reduction burning and bushfire prepared community workshops, have all assisted to reduce the bushfire risk across the state,” he said.
There have been a few more than 2900 permits to light fire issued across Queensland from July to September this year, compared with 12718 for the entire 2006-07 year and 8927 in 2007-08 year.
The Minister also emphasised that the decision to initiate hazard reduction burns was ultimately a decision for the landowner.
“And we need to be aware that, as conditions have not been conducive to conducting burns this year, it may mean that landowners will need to take steps to reduce fuel loads prior to next year’s fire season,” Mr Roberts said.
Permit numbers are based on reports provided by fire wardens. A fire permit is required to burn any area greater than two metres in any direction.
Other government agencies, such as Queensland Parks and Wildlife do not require permits to conduct hazard reduction on their own lands.
Media Contact – Malcolm Grieve, 0427 822 676