Released 28/03/2019
The ACT Parks and Conservation Service wishes to advise that, subject to suitable weather and fuel moisture conditions, a series of prescribed and ecological burns will take place at seven locations across the ACT on both Thursday 28 March and Friday 29 March 2019.
The burns are being undertaken to reduce fire hazard reduction, for asset protection and for ecological and cultural reasons.
A total area of 60 hectares will be burned over two days at the following locations.
Thursday 28 March:
15.43 hectares at Jarramlee Nature Reserve, 17.39 hectares at Jerrabomberra Grasslands, 9.34 hectares at Gungaderra Grasslands, 7.3 hectares at Dunlop Grasslands.
Friday 29 March:
2.17 hectares at Mulanggari Grasslands, 4.24 hectares at Kama Nature Reserve, 5.01 hectares at Crace Grasslands.
Experienced Parks fire managers will conduct and oversee the burning operations. Every effort is made to conduct burns in weather conditions that will minimise the impact of smoke but temporary smoke cover is possible and is likely to be visible across parts of Canberra.
Staff will continue to monitor the burn site until smoke has not been visible for 24 hours. A buffer zone of up to 20 metres is also created around the complete perimeter of every prescribed burn.
See the location map of the burn sites.
People with asthma, other chronic respiratory and/or chronic cardiac diseases should not perform vigorous exercise and should stay inside if affected by the smoke. People with asthma in particular should continue their medication and consult their general practitioner if they have any difficulties.
You can also find out information about upcoming burns by following @ACT_Parks on Twitter, @ACTParks on Facebook or by completing a simple online form to get an all of ACT Parks and Conservation Service prescribed burn updates by email.
Autumn prescribed burn program:
The prescribed burn program will operate across autumn to reduce fire fuel loads, protect the community and improve ecosystem health.
A total of 38 burns are planned that will cover 6,000 hectares. Most burns will be designed to reduce bushfire fuel loads, while some smaller ecological burns will also be conducted to increase native vegetation and decrease weeds.
The burns are part of a comprehensive fuel reduction program ACT Parks and Conservation conducts each year. This also includes physical fuel removal, slashing, grazing, training for staff and fire trail maintenance and upgrade.
Information and health advice for dealing with outdoor smoke can also be found by visiting ACT Health.
For tips on how to stay safe if there is smoke in the area, visit the Asthma Foundation website.
Media opportunity:
What: Cultural burn and launch of autumn prescribed burn program
Where: Jarramlee Nature Reserve (between Dunlop and Macgregor)
When: 12.15pm, Thursday 28 March
Who: ACT Parks and Conservation fire managers and Ngunnawal elder Wally Bell
- Statement ends -
ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases
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| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
Christopher Clarke |
(02) 6207 1587 |
0422 660 867 |
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