Planned burns

Sustainable Timber Tasmania conducts planned burns to regenerate harvested forests in a similar manner to natural regeneration following bushfire; and to improve the safety of the community by reducing fuel loads in production forests and other areas.

WHAT IS IT?

HOW MANY ARE THERE?

As part of the Planned Burning Program for 2021, around 175 burns are planned for this year across Permanent Timber Production Zone (PTPZ) land, ranging in size from a couple of hectares up to approximately 100 hectares.

WHEN’S IT HAPPENING?

Planned burning is undertaken in Autumn – starting in March and extending to May in some areas. Autumn is the best time to undertake this work because it is the safest time of the year to burn; the fuels are dry which creates less smoke; the extreme conditions of summer have passed, reducing the chance of the fire escaping its boundaries and it is the ideal time for germination of eucalypt seedlings given warm temperatures and the onset of regular rainfall.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A PLANNED BURN?

Our aim is to minimise impact on neighbours and local communities. Every burn is carefully planned for safety, smoke dispersal, protection of assets, infrastructure, special values and threatened and endangered species. These factors are documented in a burn plan that is reviewed, audited, and approved along with a risk assessment.

We only burn when weather conditions are suitable for managing and containing the fire to the boundaries we have prepared and allow for favourable smoke dispersal. On poor smoke dispersal days, burning is postponed until suitable conditions prevail.

We coordinate these burns with other agencies and forestry businesses to manage smoke levels within the Environment Protection Authority’s standards for each airshed area.

HOW WILL I KNOW?

Sustainable Timber Tasmania notifies and engages with all immediate neighbours throughout the Planned Burning Program planning stage, prior to any burning. This includes notifications to stakeholders who have registered their interest in particular planned burns and through agreed protocols with tourism and wine industries.

We advise the public through daily media and Facebook notifications.

We also publish our Planned Burning Program and daily information uploads to the “What’s Burning Now?” page at www.fire.tas.gov.au

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

You can find out more about the Planned Burning Program by visiting www.sttas.com.au or by visiting the “What’s Burning Now? page at www.fire.tas.gov.au

If you have direct questions, they can be directed to:

The Engagement Team

(03) 6169 2800

stakeholder@sttas.com.au

Planned Burns Map - What's Burning Now?

Advice from Asthma Australia

The Asthma Australia advises all people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses in smoke affected areas to ensure they take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against elevated levels of high intensity smoke.
If you can smell smoke, it could be a risk to your health and you need to ensure you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself against it.

Exposure to wood smoke can trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath.

Children, the elderly and people with heart conditions and/or breathing problems, including asthma, are the first to feel the effects of smoke and particle pollution, which means they need to take extra care.

If you are affected by smoke, where possible:

Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed
Minimise physical outdoor activity
If using an air conditioner or heat pump at home or in the car, set it to ‘recycle’
Try to minimise exposure to other irritants such as cigarette smoke and dust
Asthma sufferers should make sure their blue/grey reliever medication is at hand.

Advice from Tasmanian Government

https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/keeping-yourself-safe/air-quality

Smoke complaints

All smoke complaints are investigated by the Environmental Protection Authority, a Division of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.

If you wish to lodge a complaint about smoke, call 1800 005 171 or contact the Environment Protection Authority at Air, Smoke and Odour Complaints. Your input will help to improve smoke management.