North Curl Curl Hazard reduction burn exposes hundreds of beer bottles
THE controversial big bush burn-off at North Curl Curl last week has had another result, aside from firing up debate about how hazard reductions are conducted.
Manly
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- Hazard reduction burns close to North Curl Curl homes
- Residents complain of smoke forcing them out of homes
THE controversial big bush burn-off at North Curl Curl last week has had another result, aside from firing up debate about how hazard reductions are conducted.
Hundreds of empty beer bottles and cans, soft drink containers and decades’ of assorted rubbish have been exposed by the flames.
Across the 3.8 hectare ridge, from North Curl Curl Surf Club to the end of Molong St, shattered and intact bottles are now twinkling in the sunlight alongside the rusty tins.
They had been tossed into the scrub by thoughtless drinkers who venture onto the headland for a bit of a booze-up.
The reserve has been popular with teenagers and young people over the years, using the rocky ledges on the higher reaches of the headland for drinking parties.
A popular hiking track, the Dee Why Headland Walk, also snakes its way through the reserve.
Old seat cushions and parts of old chairs were found among the charred scrub after the fire.
One veteran firefighter told the Manly Daily that the headland was always known as a great outdoor spot for youngsters to party.
“Trouble is, they leave the bottles and cans behind,” he said.
Now the Northern Beaches Council has said it would clean up the bottles and cans after the burn-off removed much of the tangled, weedy undergrowth that hid the litter.
On Tuesday last week NSW Fire & Rescue firefighters conducted a hazard reduction operation to provide future protection for homes on the edge of the bushland.
But criticism arose after thick smoke blew back over, and into, homes, forcing some residents to leave because they had difficulty breathing.
Fire & Rescue also dismissed concerns that the flames, up to two metres high, came too close to a number of houses, saying the situation was never out of control and the weather conditions on the day were suitable for burning off the reserve.
Council’s general manager for environment and infrastructure, Ben Taylor, said it owns two parcels of land on the headland.
“Council undertakes regular clean-ups of North Curl headland, removing rubbish and dumped items,” Mr Taylor said.
“Prior to hazard reduction burns by NSW Fire & Rescue carried out last week, Council conducted a clean-up of both reserves removing two “camps”, a number of couches and other general rubbish.
“Council intends to complete a further clean-up once the site is inspected.”
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