This is a timely reminder to forest owners from PIRSA Forestry.

Protection of your plantations against fire should be a high priority with a predicted early start to the fire season and below average rainfall over the winter.

Firebreak maintenance and preparation is critical in reducing the risk of fire entering your forest and provides appropriate access in the event of fire.

There are many ways in which to maintain your firebreaks. Depending on the situation and the grower, various techniques can be used to reduce fuel loads.

Grass will commonly be the fuel load that requires management by:
o Slashing
o Grazing (sheep)
o Spraying
o Cultivating (plough)

Note that grazing is suitable with sheep only in plantation taller than 6 feet or two metres tall and grazing is not suitable with cattle within your plantation.

Plantations should have a good external firebreak setback of 20 or more metres. Internal breaks need to be managed by slashing the grass to reduce the fuel load. Trees may need to be edge pruned to prevent branches from limiting vehicle access along the internal break.

AUTHOR: Clinton Sim, Co-ordinator Forestry Development Programs, PIRSA Forestry, Mt Gambier

CONTACT: If you would like further information about fire break maintenance or forestry please contact PIRSA Forestry: phone 87351227, fax 87231941 or email pirsaforestry@saugov.sa.gov.au