Burn-offs start before bushfire season

Image credit: Steven Conway, Conway's Photography

Hazard reduction burns have started in Moreton Bay ahead of bushfire season, with sites on Bribie Island and Albany Creek targeted this week.

Moreton Bay City Council has completed one burn in Upper Caboolture and plans to start at Mahaca Park, Albany Creek tomorrow (Friday).

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is on Bribie Island conducting a burn-off around Mermaid Lagoon (Third Lagoon) yesterday and today.

Crews are reported to be patrolling and monitoring the area today and the burn is expected to produce some smoke over coming days.

Queensland Fire Department says smoke from a burn between Endeavour Drive and Avon Ave, Banksia Beach is also affecting Toorbul and Sandstone Point

Council currently has 13 other planned burns this season in assessed areas and when weather conditions permit. 

Scheduled Council hazard reduction burns:

• Verdoni Street Park, Sunderland Drive, Bellara

• Burpengary Environmental Park, Aquatic Centre Drive, Burpengary

• Scarborough Road Park, 59 Scarborough Rd, Caboolture

• North Lakes Environmental Reserve, Lipscombe Road, Deception Bay

• Griffin Environmental Reserve, Dohles Rocks Rd, Griffin

• Harland Road Reserve (north section), Lot 36 Harland Road, Mt Glorious

• Sandstone Boulevard Park, Ningi

• Mt Samsonvale Rd, between Basin Rd and Winn Rd

• Otto Street Gravel Reserve, 6-40 Otto Road, Toorbul

• Sheep Station Creek Conservation Park, 302 Williamson Rd, Upper Caboolture

• Old Petrie Town, Dayboro Rd, Whiteside

• Eva Draper Park, 46-76 Ironbark Drive, Woodford

Planned burns are managed fires that reduce the risk of uncontrolled bushfires and must follow permit conditions issued by the Queensland Fire Department.

Mayor Peter Flannery said extensive planning and preparation takes place before burns are carried out to ensure the safety of residents and native animals.

“Hazard reduction burns in City of Moreton Bay not only protect our communities but also support the health of our local environment by encouraging natural regeneration and maintaining habitat diversity.

“Before any burn is carried out, a thorough site assessment is conducted to identify flora and fauna that may need protecting.

“Our fire management team will then rake around trees to protect significant habitats, with a fauna spotter on site during burns to monitor wildlife.”

Thanks to aerial incendiary drones introduced last year, the first planned burn at Otto Road, Toorbul since 2014 will be carried out this season.

Drones drop small incendiary pellets, allowing crews to carry out planned burns with greater precision and safety across challenging terrain.

All hazard reduction burns in Queensland require specific, approved environmental conditions before ignition to ensure that fires can be controlled.

While planned burn season typically takes place between March and August, burns may be undertaken year-round subject to environmental conditions.

“If a planned burn is happening nearby, you may notice some smoke, so residents with asthma or respiratory issues are advised stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed,” the Mayor said.

“Our teams will closely monitor sites until the area is deemed safe. As a precaution, people are advised to keep away from the burn site during the days immediately following.”

Visit Planned burns in Moreton Bay - City of Moreton Bay or sign up to MoretonAlert to receive notifications on planned burns happening near you.

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