Burn Procedure

Burning may be carried out by Willoughby Council staff, with the assistance of the New South Wales Fire brigade when carrying out larger broad area burns.

When considering whether a site is suitable for a burn, the following aspects are taking into account:

• Management strategies
• Vegetation community
• Previous fire history
• Threatened biota
• Cultural assets.

Some areas may be found to contain threatened species or Aboriginal sites; if found, their specific needs will be addressed by each proposal. This may mean excluding certain areas from burning.

Based on these factors a decision is made as to which fuel reduction method is appropriate:

• Hazard reduction burn
• Strip/block
• Complete removal of fuel by hand.

Once a hazard reduction burn site has been chosen the area is measured and marked out. Drainage lines are located and the proposed area is kept clear due to erosion potential. If the site is on a steep slope above a waterway the lower boundary is located above the waterline/foreshore to avoid erosion.

Dry and dead vegetation fuel is incorporated into the burn. This helps to avoid canopy fires and ensures a hot burn. A species list is prepared of the flora and fauna. Close to the date of the proposed burn the fire lines are cut, and neighbouring residents and local Fire Brigades are notified.

On the day of a proposed burn an assessment is made of ground fuel and if the burn will proceed. A burn is called off if there is a Total Fire Ban or when the Environment Protection Agency declares a No Burn Day due to air pollution concerns. Before the burn is undertaken trees are searched for possum drays and attempts are made to remove any possums found. A Wildlife Rescue (W.I.R.E.S.) representative is invited to participate in site inspection and to assist with injured animals.

Burns are usually carried out in the cooler months between March and August. This is to avoid wildlife breeding seasons, help establish seedlings before the intense summer heat, and avoid overlap with the bushfire season and likely Total Fire Ban days.

Smoke may affect air quality during a burn, but Environmental Protection Authority warnings will be complied with to ensure minimal pollution.

After a burn the team performs maintenance tasks such as weeding on the site to make sure that the changed conditions do not allow weeds to take over.

No long term loss of environmental, cultural or recreational qualities are expected as a result of hazard reduction burning.