FIRE AND RESCUE NSW will undertake a prescribed burn on behalf of Byron Shire Council at Paterson Hill located 1.5 km of south east of Byron Bay between July-August 2017.
The 0.4 hectare burn will take place at about 10am and will conclude at about 5pm.
Council suggests that you consider:
- smoke may reduce visibility on nearby roads and drivers will need to follow directions, slow down and take extreme care.
- closing windows to minimise the impact of smoke and remove clothing from the clothes line
- protecting or removing items which may be affected by hot embers, smoke or radiant heat (e.g., outdoor furniture, pool covers, plastic items, plants, watering systems, pets, etc).
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The purpose of the prescribed burn is to reduce the fuel loads 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 burn will also promote the restoration of the Byron Bay Dwarf Graminoid Clay Heath, an Endangered Ecological Community that requires fire for its survival.
For public safety, access to Ruskin Street will be restricted during burn operations. Fire and Rescue NSW fire crews will monitor the burnt ground until the areas are declared safe.
About prescribed burns
“Prescribed burns are conducted for a number of reasons such as reducing fuel loads in strategic areas of Council owned or managed 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.
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“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 geography.
“The risks are relatively small compared to the possible consequences of a major bushfire occurring during the summer,” she said.
Should you require any further information please contact Byron Shire Council on 02 6626 7126.
Alternatively, if you experience any problems arising from the burn, please contact Fire and Rescue NSW Senior Firefighter, Matt Anderson on 02 4979 3709.