More prescribed burns tomorrow

Released 03/04/2019

FURTHER INFORMATION: Due to unsuitable weather and fuel moisture conditions, both the Mulanggari and Bonshaw prescribed burns have been cancelled for today. These burns will be rescheduled for the next suitable opportunity.

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service wishes to advise that, subject to suitable weather and fuel moisture conditions, two burns will take place tomorrow, Thursday 4 April 2019.

A 4 hectare burn at South Kama Nature Reserve (William Hovell Drive) will improve the quality of the grassland by removing grass thatch and thinning out regeneration of both native and exotic grasses in an area that has not been burnt for a long time.

A burn at Crace Grasslands Nature Reserve, adjacent to Gungahlin Drive and covering 5 hectares, will manipulate ecological conditions to enhance the establishment and vigour of native species over weeds, promote flowering in native forbs and facilitate the re-establishment of perennial native tussock grasses. The burn is part of the Grassland Restoration Project, a three-year project funded jointly by the ACT and Commonwealth governments to maintain and improve the natural integrity of grassland ecosystems within Canberra Nature Park reserves, with an emphasis on improving and expanding habitat for threatened species.

Additional burns have been identified for Friday and potentially into the weekend, depending on suitable weather. Notifications will occur for those areas as soon as burns are scheduled.

See the location map of the burn sites.

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.

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 smartform to get all of ACT Parks and Conservation Service prescribed burn updates by email.

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.

- Statement ends -

ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases

Media Contacts

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases