FIRE AND Rescue NSW, in partnership with the Rural Fire Service and the National Parks and Wildlife Service undertook prescribed burns on Paterson Hill at Byron Bay, 1.5 km from the town centre, yesterday Tuesday 17 April 2018.
The burn was undertaken to reduce the fuel load and provide for asset protection from potential wildfire that could occur in the ensuing fire season.
There is conclusive evidence, both nationally and internationally, that reducing fuel loads lessens the impact bushfires would otherwise have on assets and the community.
The prescribed burns will also promote the restoration of the Byron Bay Dwarf Graminoid Clay Heath, an Endangered Ecological Community that requires fire for its survival.
“Prescribed burns are conducted for a number of reasons such as reducing fuel loads in strategic areas of land or for ecological purposes,” Byron Shire Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Clare Manning, said.
“Reducing fuel loads is very important, because it can make it easier to control a bushfire, help prevent a bushfire spreading to residential areas, and ultimately save people’s lives and property.
“Before every prescribed burn, fire authorities carefully assess and prepare to manage a range of risk factors including the weather, dryness of the vegetation and site topography.
“The risks are relatively small compared to the possible consequences of a major bushfire occurring during the summer.