That backburning desire!
Of the million-plus hectares of forest that burnt in last summer’s fires, DSE’s Chief Fire Officer, Ewan Waller, admitted they lit up 100,000 ha of that area in back burns. Many of which got away and threatened the towns of Bruthen, Tambo Crossing and Swifts Creek.
This autumn, another 100,000 ha of forest that didn’t burn over summer were burnt in large scale “control burns”. This type of “management” means that forests that escaped the wildfire are being dried out and burnt with no regard to lost habitat, flora, wildlife or the scientific evidence that disputes the need for these huge burns. Some forests immediately adjoining townships could need mild burns, but the rest is just bureaucratic pyromania.
Jill / Four Corners – Firestorm, 12.3.07