The ACT Parks and Conservation Service wishes to advise that, subject to suitable weather and fuel moisture conditions, three prescribed burns will start today (Friday 19 February) at Cooleman Ridge, Molonglo and Gubur Dhaura.
The 22.43 ha prescribed burn at Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve in Chapman is being conducted to reduce fuel loads in the area and provide protection to adjacent houses.
The ecological burn will be on a portion of the 83ha Molonglo River Reserve and is being conducted to reduce invasive weeds, help our native species and enhance the critically endangered Box-Gum woodland.
The 3.39ha cultural burn at Gubur Dhaura in Franklin is being conducted to restore native grasslands and provide protection to a significant cultural site.
All three burns will start tomorrow. The ecological burn at Molonglo River Reserve may continue to Saturday 20 February, if required.
See the location map of the burn site.
Experienced ACT Parks and Conservation fire managers will conduct and oversee the burning operation. Every effort is made to conduct burns in weather conditions that will minimise the impact of smoke, but temporary smoke cover is possible and may be visible across parts of Canberra.
ACT Parks and Conservation will also take appropriate precautions in line with the physical distancing and hygiene requirements that are in place due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
As part of managing the prescribed burn to its conclusion, a buffer zone of up to 20 metres is also created around the complete perimeter of each prescribed burn.
People with asthma, other chronic respiratory and/or chronic cardiac diseases, should not perform vigorous exercise and should stay inside if affected by the smoke. People with asthma in particular should continue their medication and consult their general practitioner if they have any difficulties.
