Prescribed burn at Pierces Creek to start today


Released 27/05/2020

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service wishes to advise that, subject to suitable weather and fuel moisture conditions, a prescribed burn will start today (Wednesday 27 May 2020) at Pierces Creek.

The 120 hectare burn is being conducted to reduce large piles of felled pine in the forest and promote rehabilitation.

The felled pine is from areas that have been cleared due to the 2018 Pierces Creek fire. Native plants and pines are scheduled to be planted in the area in the coming months.

See the location map of the burn site.

The burn is expected to be completed in the next couple of weeks if conditions remain favourable.

In making the decision to commence this prescribed burn, the ACT Parks and Conservation Service has considered concerns people may have following the Orroral Valley bushfire, and the COVID-19 public health emergency, with the need to continue to manage land for bushfire preparedness.

Experienced ACT Parks and Conservation fire managers will conduct and oversee the burning operation. 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.

ACT Parks and Conservation will take appropriate precautions in line with the physical distancing and hygiene requirements that are in place due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

As part of managing the prescribed burn to its conclusion, 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 during the period of the burn 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 form 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.

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