Burn offs start today across Cairns region

The annual burn-off program, starting today, will continue over the next two months.

The programme will kick off with a controlled burn at Gordonvale Transfer Station today.

The annual burn-off programme is undertaken by the Cairns and District Fire Management Committee, with support from Cairns Regional Council. The fuel hazard mitigation program is conducted during the cooler months when reduction burns are effective in controlling high vegetation fuel loads.

Cairns Regional Council Chair of Works and Services Committee Cr Paul Gregory said this pro-active and cost efficient approach minimises the threat to life, property and the environment during the summer.

“The controlled, low intensity fires assist in weed control, and encourage native vegetation to regenerate,” Paul Gregory says. “We are fast approaching the time of the year when residents should be aware of the risk of bushfires and can help by reducing flammable vegetation that may pose a threat, particularly down slope from homes."

Representatives from government agencies responsible for fire management on the Cairns hillslopes, from Yarrabah to Yule Point, make up the Cairns and District Fire Management Committee, including Cairns Regional Council, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Rural and Urban Fire Brigades, Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service, Dept Environment & Resources Management, Wet Tropics Management Authority, Dept Main Roads, Queensland Rail and Traditional Owners.

• Burns will be conducted at:
  
  Gordonvale Transfer Station - Wednesday 21 July
  Kamerunga Conservation Park -Thursday 29 July
  Henley Hill - Wednesday 4 August
  Mt Whitfield - Wednesday 11 August