Fire management
Fire is a natural phenomenon and wildfires can occur on parks and forests. Some fires have nature conservation benefits and others can cause damage to wildlife and property.
DERM monitors wildfire risk and fire danger conditions across the land it manages to maintain preparedness levels and emergency response plans. This ensures rapid response to any wildfire event. Strategies implemented by DERM to mitigate the risk of wildfires include:
- planned burning to reduce fuel loads, protect park and forest facilities and related properties, and conserve natural systems and processes
- maintenance of an extensive network of high priority roads and firebreaks
- well trained and equipped staff to respond to wildfire outbreaks
- a cooperative approach to fire management across the landscape with the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, other land management agencies and the community.
Fire season
In Queensland fires can occur at any time but are more common from late winter to early summer.
Prior to the fire season QPWS undertakes pre-emptive wildfire mitigation programs, including:
- reviewing annual fire programs
- maintaining and upgrading firelines
- regional preparedness checks
- updating fire response procedures and key contacts
- evaluating wildfire risk and identifying priority protection areas
- ensuring inter-agency cooperation and plant hire arrangements are in place
- reviewing the adequacy of staff training levels, equipment and personnel protective equipment stores, communication systems, detection systems and plant and equipment maintenance
- fine tuning cooperative arrangements—inter-agency exercises
- implementing planned burns.
During the fire season QPWS closely monitors wildfire risk and fire danger conditions across the protected area estate and maintains preparedness levels relevant to the risk.
QPWS places the highest priority on protecting human life, followed by protecting infrastructure and environmental values. Over 600 staff are trained and available to respond to fires.
Updates on fire occurring in protected areas will be available on the park alerts page.
Planned burns
When implementing planned burns, reasonable and timely steps will be taken to notify affected parties of QPWS’ intention to conduct the burn. Community service announcements through local media outlets will be used wherever possible and appropriate to:
- advise local community of the potential for smoke presence in the area
- provide a standardised message to educate the community about hazard reduction or conservation management burns.
The QPWS fire management program is guided by a comprehensive Fire Management System—providing processes and guidelines to facilitate planning, implementation and monitoring of fire management.
Fire management is based on research. The frequency and intensity of burning are controlled to maintain conditions suitable for native plants and animals. In extreme fire danger periods, parks and forests are closed to remove the threat to human life and minimise the risk of carelessly-lit fires. Look for park alerts for advice on closures or restrictions to visitor access associated with QPWS fire management activities.
Report wildfires immediately to 000 (triple zero). Early reporting may avert a serious wildfire. The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is the lead agency for fire management in Queensland.
For more information on fire planning, safety and use of fire in the outdoors in non-urban areas, visit QFRS Rural Operations Division.
Always observe fire bans in parks and forests.
Further information
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs) (PDF, 146K)*
- QPWS fire management mission statement (PDF, 136K)*
- QPWS fire management brochure (PDF, 276K)*
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 6 January 2012