Hazard Reductions and Backburns

Hazard Reduction

Are carried-out out before a bushfire starts in order to protect people and assets.

Hazard reduction burning (HR) is often called controlled or prescribed burning . This is conducted during favourable weather conditions to reduce fuel loads. So if a bushfire was to start in an area that had recently had a Hazard reduction there will be less fuel for it to burn reducing the intensity of the fire and the risk of uncontrollable bushfires impacting on assets and properties.

Backburns

Are used during a bushfire emergency, to help control the fire and protect people and assets. Backburning occurs during a fire emergency when firefighting personnel determine that the best way to inhibit the progression of a bushfire is by burning back towards the oncoming fire. This removes fuel from the path of the fire, which can be an effective method of stopping its spread or reducing its impact on structures. Backburning needs to be carefully coordinated.