From the Chief Executive
From the Summer 2006 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Summer is always a busy time for Forests NSW staff, and we expect summer 2006/07 to be a particularly challenging fire season.
Alastair Howard, Acting Chief Executive
The season started early for our staff, fighting fires in the Hunter and central west. With much of the state experiencing continuing drought conditions, the outlook for bushfires is grim.
Normally, the season starts in the north-east in the spring and moves south to be in the central west and south west slopes after Christmas. In 2006 however, we faced extreme conditions in the west and south as early as October.
As always, Forests NSW firefighters are able and prepared. Where weather conditions allowed in spring, hazard reduction burning was undertaken in strategically located State forests to protect valuable assets – both ecological and financial.
Our fire tactics are based on rapid detection and response. Our innovative lightning strike detection system has been upgraded and can pinpoint ground strikes to within a few metres in real time. The system is supported by a network of fire towers.
On-ground strike crews with small slip-on units can be rapidly despatched, possibly with helicopter support. Quick eyewitness assessments of fires by experienced firefighters enable us to rapidly develop a defence strategy, calling in our own appliances and assistance from other firefighting authorities where necessary.
Our resources are mobile and concentrate on areas where we have plantation assets, as we realise the significant role the $800 million public plantations play in supporting regional economies.
I would ask everyone that uses forests for work or for pleasure to be especially vigilant this summer. It is vital that total fire bans are obeyed and that people are aware of high fire danger periods.
I hope that all readers have a safe and happy festive period, and that we see 2007 in safely without loss of lives or property to bushfires.
Executive
