Released 06/04/2017
The ACT Parks and Conservation Service wishes to advise that four prescribed burns will be carried out in the region tomorrow, Friday 7 April 2017, two of which commenced today.
“The 399 hectare burn near Wombat fire trail off Brindabella Road in the Lower Cotter Catchment, and the 12.59 hectare burn at Australian National Botanic Gardens will both continue tomorrow,” Brian Levine, ACT Parks and Conservation Service Fire Management Officer, said today.
“Additionally, prescribed burns will commence at two new locations. These include:
- hectare burn west of Uriarra Village south of Brindabella Road and adjacent to Uriarra Village fire trail
- hectare burn at Coombs near Molonglo River adjacent to Edgeworth Parade.
“The intent of the Uriarra Village burn is to provide asset protection by reducing fire fuels. Additionally, in order to minimise the impact to the local community, we will be taking advantage of the preferred wind direction which will draw the smoke away from the Village.
“The burn at Coombs will assist with ecological restoration work for threatened Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat and remove invasive grassland species.
“We have a strong cooperative arrangement in place with the Asthma Foundation to ensure people are kept informed of our prescribed burn activity and the likelihood of smoke. For example, people are able to sign up via smartform to receive prescribed burn updates from ACT Parks by email.”
Danielle Dal Cortivo, Chief Executive Officer for Asthma Foundation ACT, said smoke from prescribed burns contain gases which can irritate sensitive airways and trigger asthma.
“People with asthma, other chronic respiratory and/or chronic cardiac diseases should avoid the smoke where possible, by staying indoors and closing windows and doors,” Ms Dal Cortivo said. “They should also avoid physical activity outdoors and continue to take their medication as prescribed.
“We recommend people with asthma keep a reliever puffer handy and keep a close eye on their symptoms. If asthma medication doesn’t stop the coughing, wheezing or breathing problems, it’s best to play it safe and contact your GP or call 000 for an ambulance.”
Mr Levine said experienced parks fire managers, supported by trained fire-fighters, will conduct the burning operations. Temporary smoke cover is expected across Canberra. Every effort is made to conduct the burns in weather conditions that will minimise the impact of smoke.
Staff will continue to monitor the burn sites 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.
All prescribed burns are listed on the Upcoming Prescribed Burns page on the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development website along with maps and advice.
In addition to the smartform, members of the public can also find out more information about upcoming burns by following @ACT_Parks on Twitter or @ACTParks on Facebook.
For more tips on how to stay safe if there is smoke in the area, visit the Asthma Foundation website.
Before any burns are undertaken major stakeholders, including the Emergency Services Agency, the Australian Federal Police, Air Traffic Control, Roads ACT and the Bureau of Meteorology are advised. For more information, please call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
- Statement ends -
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