Hazard burns reduce fire risk

Queensland Times

A VIETNAM veterans' memorial service in Grafton last week took on a slightly eerie feel when two helicopters flew close by during the commemoration.

It turns out the helicopters were collecting water in 'buckets' to assist the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) hazard reduction burns.

NPWS spokesman Lawrence Orel said local NPWS staff had been busy preparing for the summer fire season by carrying out hazard-reduction burns across the Clarence Valley.

“The majority of burns have been planned in strategic areas to provide maximum benefit in terms of reducing the potential impacts from wildfires,” he said.

The Rural Fire Service (RFS), meanwhile, is also busy preparing for the summer fire season.

Clarence Valley RFS district manager Brett Condie said local RFS brigades had been called out to some 'minor incidents' but had predominantly been busy with hazard-reduction work.

“That program will continue for as long as conditions allow until we move into a more operational mode,” he said.