QFES explains why it’s critical to prepare for Fraser Coast fire season now

As hazard reduction burns wrap up, QFES explains why it is critical to prepare the land for the upcoming fire season now.

Rural firies at a controlled burn off in the bush in 2014 Photo: Alistair Brightman / Fraser Coast Chronicle file.

Hazard reduction burn operations around Tiaro, Bauple and Glenwood have wrapped up and QFES have explained why this time of year is critical for such operations ahead of the upcoming fire season.

QFES Acting Area Director for Maryborough Shaune Toohey said a lot land management agencies like HQ Plantations, National Parks and Fraser Coast Regional Council were conducting the reduction burns alongside fire crews.

“What we are aiming for during the cooler months is that we have a better opportunity for benign fire behaviour conditions, more opportunities for us to use controlled treatments like hazard reductions burns through the landscape,” he said.

“It reduces fuel for the upcoming fire season and it also breaks up the landscape itself … we’re looking at where we can reduce the speed and intensity of fires.

Mr Toohey said lower temperatures, low speed winds and high overnight humidity allowed operations like this to take place.

“It allows us to get a nice, controlled, ecological burn through,” he said.

“Between now and August there will be a lot more hazard reduction burns across the Fraser Coast and Wide Bay area and you’ll see this being done by local rural fire brigades along with fire and rescue personnel.

Mr Toohey encouraged the community to do their part before fire season by preparing properties and allowing access for fire crews during fire season.

He also encouraged rural residents to have a bush fire plan ready and to make sure they were aware of the risks related to bush fires.

Originally published as QFES explains why it’s critical to prepare for Fraser Coast fire season now