Released 06/03/2018
The ACT Parks and Conservation Service wishes to advise that, weather permitting, the autumn schedule of prescribed burns starts tomorrow to reduce fire fuel loads and protect our community and improve ecosystem health.
Wednesday 7 March 2018
- A 12 hectare burn is scheduled for Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve, off Kathner Street and Darrell Place, Chapman.
- An 8 hectare ecological burn is scheduled for the Jerrabomberra wetlands.
If conditions are suitable larger operations are planned to continue through the week and into the weekend. The tentative plans are as follows and will be confirmed via media release on Wednesday.
Thursday 8 March 2018
- A 3,012 hectare burn at Smokers in Namadgi National Park is scheduled to commence, south of Corin Road, east of the Cotter River.
- A 2,157 hectare burn at Blue Gum in Namadgi National Park is scheduled to commence 8 kilometres south west of Tharwa.
(A map showing the location of all burn sites is available at the Upcoming Prescribed Burns Page.)
The larger burns planned for Thursday are expected to continue for several days.
Experienced Parks fire managers, supported by trained fire-fighters from the Emergency Services Agency’s Rural Fire Service, will conduct and oversee the burning operations. Every effort is made to conduct the burns in weather conditions that will minimise the impact of smoke but temporary smoke cover is possible across parts of Canberra.
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.
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 an all of ACT Parks prescribed burn updates by email.
For tips on how to stay safe if there is smoke in the area, visit the Asthma Foundation website.
The Emergency Services Agency, Australian Federal Police, Air Traffic Control, Roads ACT and the Bureau of Meteorology are advised before any burns are started. Please call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 for more information.
- Statement ends -
ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases
Media Contacts
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
Geoff Virtue |
(02) 6205 0312 |
0401 766 218 |
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