Brigades from across District 9 recently came together to assist South Gippsland Shire to deliver a low intensity burn in the Wuchatsch reserve at Nyora.
Crews use a spot ignition pattern for a low intensity burn
In early May, brigades from the Strzelecki and South Gippsland Groups in District 9 delivered a fuel reduction burn in the Wuchatsch reserve, working alongside members of the shire bush reserves crew.
CFA members conducted a low intensity burn to help reduce fuel loads and encourage native plant regeneration. The burn was a great opportunity for crews to strengthen their knowledge of ignition patterns and observe the fire behaviour when it interacts with different fuels. This was a great outcome for the local community.
Fuel reduction burns go a long way to help mitigate the effects of wildfire and the use of 'good' fire not only reduces fuel loads but can help to increase the health and biodiversity of reserves such as Wuchatsch. The Shire crews did a great job in preparing the burn block and CFA crews did pre- and post-burn work to ensure a safe and successful burn, mitigating any threat to nearby residents.
The shire manages several bush reserves and there's a strong working relationship between the shire and local crews to deliver planned burns in these reserves.
We would like to thank brigade members from Boolarra, Berrys Creek, Dumbak, Kongwak, Hallston, Leongatha, Leongatha South, Mirboo North, Poowong, Ruby and Thorpdale who attended the burn.
Thanks also to Longwarry Fire Brigade catering team who kept us fed and Loch Fire Brigade members who monitored the burn after the day.
Thanks to Chris Rankin and his team from the council who worked to prepare and deliver the burn and to District 9 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Trevor Roberts, District 9 ops staff, Roger Strickland and Vegetation Management Officer John Crane who all assisted to make this burn possible.
