Hazard reduction burns underway

If you have noticed smoke drifting across the City of Moreton Bay, it’s due to hazard reduction burns.

These planned burns are being carried out to help keep the community safe ahead of bushfire season.

To receive notifications on planned burns happening near you, make sure you sign up to MoretonAlert.

Visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Disaster-Management/MoretonAlert

Council manages and maintains more than 10,000 hectares of natural areas and uses Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts to determine suitable days to carry out burns. All burns must also adhere to permit conditions issued by the Queensland Fire Department.

Mayor Peter Flannery said extensive planning and preparation takes place before burns are carried out to ensure the safety of residents and native animals.

“City of Moreton Bay is home to more than 360 species of native and migratory birds,” he said. “Our residents regularly spot koalas and kangaroos, and a recent project showed our platypus population is going strong, with sightings across 37 creeks and waterways.

“Conducting hazard reduction burns is an important step in protecting the long-term health and biodiversity of our city.”

Planned burns minimise the risk and severity of bushfires by reducing available ground fuels. As a result, they reduce the threat to life, property and the environment.

“Before any burn is carried out, a thorough site assessment is conducted to identify flora and fauna that may need protecting. Our fire management team will then rake around trees to protect significant habitats, with a fauna spotter on site during burns to monitor wildlife,” Mayor Flannery said.

Thanks to aerial incendiary drones introduced last year, the first planned burn at Otto Road, Toorbul since 2014 will be carried out this season. These drones drop small incendiary pellets from above, allowing crews to carry out planned burns with greater precision and safety across challenging terrain.

All hazard reduction burns in Queensland require specific, approved environmental conditions before ignition to ensure that fires can be controlled. While planned burn season typically takes place between March and August, burns may be undertaken year-round subject to environmental conditions.

“If a planned burn is happening nearby, you may notice some smoke, so residents with asthma or respiratory issues are advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed,” Mayor Flannery said. “Our teams will closely monitor sites until the area is deemed safe. As a precaution, people are advised to keep away from the burn site during the days immediately following.”

For more information, visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Disaster-Management/Planned-Burns