Hazard reduction burn for Sydney’s only urban forest
From the Autumn 2008 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
The Rural Fire Service assisted in the HR burn. The use of low intensity fire in specifically targeted areas of the forest was carefully controlled and monitored by fire fighting personnel, vehicles and equipment. Photos by Steve Brown. Top right: Forests NSW community programs manager, Sally Arundell and forest ranger, Jose Orellana, assisted in controlling the burn. Photo by Mandy Flaxman.
It is not an ordinary day in an urban forest for rangers to be conducting a hazard reduction burn, but it is an important part in its management.
After an extensive planning process, Forests NSW conducted a hazard reduction (HR) burn during mid October 2007 in Cumberland State Forest, located in the heart of suburban West Pennant Hills. It was the first HR burning operation to be carried out within Cumberland State Forest in the last five years.
As with any hazard reduction burning, it was crucial that the operation was conducted under suitable conditions to ensure a safe and effective burn.
The planning process involved undertaking a thorough risk assessment, environmental impact assessment and collecting measurement data including fuel moisture levels. Monitoring of the weather patterns in the weeks leading up to the burn and the strategic organisation of fire fighting crews and vehicles was part of the planning too.
The HR operation was undertaken by a team of Forests NSW staff, and around 20 fire fighters from the NSW Fire Brigade and the NSW Rural Fire Service.
It was carried out in a key strategic area for the protection of neighbouring properties, and the forest itself, from a potential wildfire.
“There are many benefits of low intensity planned burns. Property protection is a huge priority, but it also plays an import role in assisting the natural regeneration of the forest,” said Mandy Flaxman, acting Sydney forests manager.
“Many of our native species rely on fire to release their seeds, and after a fire, the ash provides an ideal growing base full of nutrients.
“We had perfect conditions for the burn, and plenty of rain to follow up, promoting new growth throughout the burnt areas.”
The HR burn in Cumberland State Forest was different to HR operations carried out in any other Forests NSW region of NSW, due to the significant infrastructure and number of properties surrounding the forest.
“We had to notify the RTA, M2 Motorway, police and ambulance service, and the local councils, as well as 300 neighbours, including the IBM Corporate Centre. It was certainly not your average burn,” Mandy said.
Further burns are planned for Cumberland State Forest as part of its overall Plan of Management, which will help maintain a low risk of bushfires and a healthy forest for everyone to enjoy.
Sally Arundell, Manager Community Programs, Sydney
