THE issue of prescribed burns is heating up after fires got out of control in South Australia's Gawler Ranges, burning down 16,000 hectares in the pastoral zone, and the larger-scale devastation in Western Australia's Margaret River when a blaze destroyed more than 30 houses and caused extensive damage.
A prescribed burn lit by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Paney station - part of the Gawler Ranges National Park- flared out of control two weeks ago in hot, windy conditions.
It was brought under control last week following efforts by Region Six Country Fire Service and strike teams from Regions One and Two, DENR, and local land holders. The situation is being monitored.
Wudinna Council chairman Tim Scholz said the community was angry the burn went ahead at such a late stage.
"We are not against prescribed burning and recognise the benefits, but it should not have been lit at this late stage and in the fire-ban season.
"People still remember when the national park was founded on the basis of working together with the local community. We hope the department has a good, hard think about its culture and its operations."
Region Six's Regional Prevention Officer George Kozminski, Port Lincoln, said while strategic burns are designed to prevent a major event like this, all prescribed burns carry a risk.
"In this case, embers blew into unburnt country," Mr Kozminski said.
He said burning plans had to take into account the vegetation, terrain and weather conditions in the area.
"Sometimes hotter temperatures and windier conditions are needed to burn certain vegetation types," he said.
The blaze also burnt-out 25 square kilometres of the adjoining Thurlga station and damaged 10km of fence line. Thurlga's Ian Morris worked to contain the blaze on his property by grading containment lines.
"It was lucky the fire was contained before strong north westerlies blew through," Mr Morris said.
"November was probably a bit late to be lighting a fire; a month earlier would have been better. I think the department could improve communication with land holders and seek local advise before going ahead with burns like this."
He said this year has been particularly hazardous, with an exceptional fuel load backing three good seasons in a row.
*Full report in Stock Journal, December 1 issue, 2011.
