Prescribed Ecological Burns

What are prescribed ecological burns?

An ecological burn is a type of prescribed burn that has a broader environmental focus.

Ecological burning is a type of prescribed burn that uses low-intensity fire to:

• reduce fuel loads and bushfire risk;
• enhance biodiversity; and
• support ecologically significant habitats.

Council undertakes ecological burns as part of our commitment to protecting, managing and maintaining biodiversity assets - a key focus area of our Environment and Sustainability Strategy.

How do prescribed ecological burns benefit the environment?

Prescribed ecological burns deliver better ecological outcomes because they support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

They mitigate bushfire risk by reducing the fuel load in a way that’s much kinder to native plants and animals compared to spraying and slashing.

Prescribed ecological burns help promote native plant regrowth which other species can depend on for survival.

They also produce lower carbon emissions.

Tips for residents

Prescribed ecological burns coordinated by Council are undertaken by Country Fire Service brigades who know the local area and can monitor and control fires.

Burning activity may produce smoke but there is no cause for alarm.

Download and check the Alert SA app for updates.

If your home is near a prescribed ecological burn:

• Keep your windows closed.
• Avoid hanging washing outside.

If you experience feelings of anxiety or distress in relation to a prescribed ecological burn, we encourage you to reach out to Lifeline for support on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au

Informing the community

We use a variety of tools and platforms to inform the community about Council-managed prescribed ecological burn activities across the district including:

• letters to residents and community groups in impacted areas;
• outdoor signage in areas where burns will be undertaken;
• Council's website;
• Council's Facebook page; and
• media releases.

Upcoming prescribed ecological burns

Council takes advice from partner agencies in deciding the timing and location of prescribed ecological burns across Mount Barker district.

A Council-managed prescribed ecological burn will only proceed if the weather conditions are suitable.

Past prescribed ecological burns

More information

• Alert SA
• Department for Environment and Water - Prescribed Burns
• Mount Barker District Council - Fire Prevention

Contact Council's Fire Prevention Officer Frank Regan on 8391 7200 for more information on prescribed burns in the Mount Barker district.