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DSE Frustrated By Fuel Reduction Burning Season

The Department of Sustainability and Environment today said it was disappointed it had not achieved its fuel reduction burning target of 130,000 hectares for the 2005-2006 financial year.

By Department of Sustainability & Environment - 14th June 2006 - Back to News

DSE Chief Officer for Fire and Emergency Management Ewan Waller said that although unfavourable weather conditions had hampered fuel reduction burning, the Department was frustrated that it had not reached its target

"We set ourselves an ambitious target and we’re disappointed that we only managed 49,000 hectares," Mr Waller said.

"While the weather didn’t help us, we believed our targets were realistic and we expected to achieve them. Obviously we’re disappointed that hasn’t happened."

Mr Waller said fuel reduction burning played a vital role in reducing the impact of bushfires and DSE simply had to find a way to meet its targets.

The unusually dry conditions from last spring until early autumn this year significantly slowed DSE’s fuel reduction burning program.

This was followed by wet and cold conditions. The unusually cold conditions (April temperatures were 2 - 3° C below the average) meant fuel-loads were not drying out.

"All of the above made the window of opportunity for prescribed burning very narrow," he said.

"Regardless of this, DSE will still be examining all details of its fuel reduction burning season to fine tune its processes for future seasons."

Mr Waller said the big positive to emerge from the 2005-2006 fuel reduction burning season was that when the weather was suitable for burning, DSE staff worked incredibly hard to make the most of it.

"On the April 13^th this year, 47 burns were conducted in a single day. This effort was surpassed two weeks later on April 27th when 52 burns were ignited in a single day. That’s an excellent result and is believed to be a record number," Mr Waller said.

Mr Waller said another positive was that most burns were conducted to provide asset protection across Victoria.

"Asset protection burns are generally smaller in area and are managed intensively to prevent escapes but they play a vital role in protecting homes and properties," he said.

Mr Waller thanked communities across the state for their patience and understanding and said DSE was committed to an extensive fuel reduction burning program in the years ahead.

"We didn’t achieve what we set out to do this season but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. It can and we will do whatever it takes to make it happen in a safe and responsible way," he said.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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