I agree Mark.
This year we have received about 400m of rain, where as normaly it would be closer to 2000m.
We have a situation where people complain when there is the oppitunatey in winter, they are effected by the smoke.
I know RFS captains who can't believe the red tape involved in burning off,
I also have spoken NPWS employees who are dumb founded by the dicissions of their organisation.
Forestry are bound by regs and resources.
Then you have Green councilors, who some how hog tie councils.
Al, chime in mate.
You have your views, cheers mate.
How times have changed. My old man was on the family farm from 1930 till 1995 when he retired. Back then the Volunteer Fireies was you and your neighbours helping one another. when conditions were right ie no wind, good humidity etc the ridge lines were routinely burnt. All cool burns low fuel and minimal fire damage done.
The RFS then became more structured and no longer involved your neighbours. If not an RFS member, you were not welcome. That didn't go down well. From 20-30 blokes at a fire to maybe 10.
Now days to get a Prescribed Burn it is more a case to go through every reason not to burn and do ever other course of action to remove or reduce 'hazard' or fuel load. As I say, it is more about ticking boxes not to burn.
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/13322/Standards-for-Low-Intensity-Bush-Fire-Hazard-Reduction-Burning.pdf
or just look at second last page
CHECKLIST FOR LOW INTENSITY HAZARD
REDUCTION BURNING
PRIOR TO BURNING MAKE SURE YOU HAVE:
£ Obtained an environmental approval such as a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate
(See “Before You Light That Fire”)
£ Obtained a Fire Permit (See “Before You Light That Fire”)
£ Either :
? Selected the appropriate season and weather conditions having considered:
Temperature
Relative humidity
Wind speed and direction
Atmospheric stability
OR
? Contacted the RFS for a Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI), determined your
fuel load, then cross checked with Table 1 to determine whether the chosen day is
suitable.
£ Made a map of burn site taking into consideration:
? Location of assets and control lines
? Direction of fire travel
? Areas of dry and moist fuel loads
? Most appropriate lighting patterns
? Placement of personnel during burn
Safe escape routes
Safety zones
£ Established control lines around the burn area including:
? Drainage structures if necessary
? Cleared areas under trees and around logs
£ Conducted a test burn
£ Notified all necessary parties:
? RFS (24 hours prior to burning, unless otherwise specified in your fire permit) or Fire
and Rescue NSW
? Neighbours (24 hours prior to burning, unless otherwise specified in your fire permit)
? RMS (if traffic control is necessary)
? Council (roads)
? Network provider for power lines
£ Checked to ensure it is not a Total Fire Ban day (See “Before You Light That Fire”)
£ Ensured that all personnel are familiar with details of the burn plan and adequately
prepared:
? Appropriate experience
? Protective clothing
? Food and water
? Awareness of safe burning procedures and first aid
£ Considered emergency procedures:
? Efficient communication system
? First Aid Kit
AT COMPLETION OF BURN MAKE SURE YOU HAVE:
£ Extinguished all necessary burning material
£ Returned the completion form from the Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate
As for the BS that the Bushfires are a result of Climate Change, that is what it is. BS. We have a situation that is unprecedented. We have had the weather (not climate) condition the same previously, nothing new there. What we haven't had for the past 20 odd years is the lack of Fire Prevention Management. 20 years of fuel load is going to create bigger hotter bushfires. Climate Change has SFA to do with it, poor management is the cause.
