QFES keeping close watch on potential bushfire hotspots

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are continuing to identify potential bushfire hotspots in the state’s far north ahead of the bushfire season.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said today (Thursday) central and western parts of the Cape were already drying out, increasing fuel loads in the area.

“These parts are experiencing a change from green, moist vegetation to browner, dry vegetation,” Mr Crawford said.

“This change is known as curing and once the vegetation reaches approximately 60% curing – the Rural Fire Service (RFS) will consider conducting hazard reduction burns.

“Hazard reduction burns play an important role in reducing the risk bushfires pose to people, homes, the environment and wildlife.”

Mr Crawford said the bushfire season traditionally started earlier in the far north than the rest of the state.

“The RFS will continue to identify areas within the region where hazard reduction burns would prove beneficial,” he said.

“There have been more than 2,000 landscape fires across the region in the last three years, so the work being done behind the scenes can make all the difference to reduce that number.

“A lot of factors come into play, including the landscape, the type of vegetation, weather forecasts, the fire danger rating, the size of the burn and the weather conditions on the day.”

Mr Crawford said hazard reduction burns were being undertaken as part of Operation Cool Burn - a multi-agency initiative targeting bushfire mitigation right across Queensland.

“Operation Cool Burn provides firefighters with a critical opportunity to prepare for bushfires during the cooler months,” Mr Crawford said.

“Although some areas experienced above average rainfall this season, the RFS is urging landowners to act now before the bushfire season strikes. 

“The complexities behind conducting a hazard reduction burn is why landowners require a permit if they want to conduct a burn greater than two metres in any direction.

“The permit system ensures burns are conducted at an appropriate time of the year, are suitably managed and emergency services and nearby neighbours are notified.

"There's no excuse not to get a permit as they’re free and can be obtained by contacting your local fire warden,” he said.

ENDS

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