Fire alerts and track closures

[north-north-west]

Why couldn't it have just burnt the approaches to the Coronets and left everything else alone?

[icefest]

Why couldn't it have just burnt the approaches to the Coronets and left everything else alone?

I'm leaving that godforsaken scrub until that does happen.

Remote Peak was an easy bag that way... :p

[north-north-west]

Why couldn't it have just burnt the approaches to the Coronets and left everything else alone?

I'm leaving that godforsaken scrub until that does happen.

I'll help you start that fire.

[Eremophila]

We awoke this morning to a thick smoke haze, you could even smell it. The local radio station was constantly urging residents not to call 000, as the smoke is from Tassie. Amazing.

[Grindelwalddave]

Tasmania is about to be hit my a major rain event with the focus over the north and north east but everywhere will receive welcome rain. Its worth reading the St helens forecast http://www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts/sthelens.shtml , 300 mm is not out of the question in the north east before Sunday,

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

Even the forecast for the NW has changed significantly in the last 24 hours. Possible heavy falls over the next few days. Just what is needed.

[DanShell]

I hope the rain comes we desperately need it. I have never seen it so dry around my area (Westbury/Deloraine/Mole Creek etc). We need some serious rain, not just the usual light shower but some real down pours over consecutive days.

[north-north-west]

Fingers crossed the forecast is right. It's the only thing that's going to save the rest of the Tarkine and the northern WHA.

[aloftas]

well, the only thing, besides a little proactive management, perhaps.

[Davo1]

Cradle is closed, Overland Track closed until at least Tuesday...
Reported that 9 homes in Nelson Bay gone but not confirmed.
Reported that Nelson Bay River bridge is alight.
Reported that Arthur River bridge has been sprayed with fire retardent as fire has reached southern side of Arthur River.
Small showers Launceston way but nothing reported east of Port Sorell at this stage and doesn't look promising.
Geelong has floods - go figure..

Need more than a few showers I'm afraid.

[aloftas]

I really do wonder at the abhorrence of back burning in season, versus the horror of wild fires in January.

I also wonder at the carbon deficits as well as the irreparable damage to many ecosystems.

I wonder at the mindset of those who would rather not see backburning and fuel reduction burning...

I pity those who must come from interstate leaving their loved ones to help fight these fires.

[north-north-west]

I really do wonder at the abhorrence of back burning in season, versus the horror of wild fires...
I wonder at the mindset of those who would rather not see backburning and fuel reduction burning.

I have never met or talked with anyone who understands the Australian bush who doesn't agree with fuel reduction burns. There are areas where you don't burn (rainforest, native pine forest and alpine zones, for instance), but most other ecosytems benefit from appropriate controlled burning regimes. The key words being 'appropriate' and 'controlled'.

[aloftas]

so, who is lacking understanding then?

why aren't these burns undertaken on a methodical basis?

[north-north-west]

In some places they are, but there are various factors limiting the success of planned burning programs.
These include (but are not restricted to) availability of personnel, availability of equipment, availability of funds and weather conditions. Everything has to be right on the day or a planned burn will be called off. You can't just chuck a match on it and hope it'll work out.

It isn't possible to totally eliminate wildfires unless you totally eliminate bush. Anyone who thinks it is is just kidding themselves.

[Nuts]

Yes, too many limits (for me). and how many of the current areas, or ecosystems of most concern, would now be (theoretically) 'safe', assuming a free-r hand at the burn-off match?



Overview from PWS:

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx? ... intID=3554


(A later correspondence mentioned Overland Track expected closure till Wednesday (3rd))

[aloftas]

I guess there is a feeling of nonchalance perhaps, pre postioning assets etc.

All I am saying, is, I see far less firebreaks on farms, far less slashing, and whilst I "get" that it is impossible to control all areas, I would feel that the old bushmans adage of burning every seventh gully, every seven years, could be applied.

I sense, perhaps, I should just keep my thoughts, to myself.

[Nuts]

In parks I think every seventh would be a disaster, no reflection on PWS. Otherwise agree. Continue

[aloftas]

Well, I guess the most salient fact, is a hot fire will do much more damage to ecosystems, than a controlled cooler fire.
Anyway, I guess its a little facile to push the point, when obviously all are under the pump.
let me put it this way; perhaps dry sclerophyll forests should be burnt, on a needs basis.

I kind of don't buy the "its too expensive argument"

Id rather posit that it is far too expensive not to.

ie, slashing of road verges, burning corridors for breaks and actually managing the place, without the political bs.

Fire is such a destructive force.

A good servant, terrible master.

[icefest]

It's also important to remember that fuel reduction burns are prioritized in regions where they might save the most lives and property - national parks and wilderness areas do not feature highly in that ranking.

[icefest]

Frightening to see that much smoke from space:

[north-north-west]

I kind of don't buy the "its too expensive argument"

Tell that to the people who allocate the money (ie, the politicians).

[aloftas]

excuse me?


what about the head honchos of departments wasting money so they get some next year

this is not a simplistic argument, and simply put, I have no interest in arguing.


If you are happy with all the spending intra departments, that's fine...

but please...

[north-north-west]

No, it isn't a simplistic issue, but your questions and responses are worded in ways that suggest you expect simplistic solutions.

Sure, there is wastage. It's inevitable in a bureaucracy. But the main issue facing the reserve system in Tasmania (indeed, throughout Australia) is underfunding by the Government, which is essentially caused by their contempt for our wilderness as anything but a field for resource extraction.

[north-north-west]

All I am saying, is, I see far less firebreaks on farms, far less slashing...

Private landowners are responsible for their own land. This has nothing to do with the reserves under threat.

Yes, too many limits (for me). and how many of the current areas, or ecosystems of most concern, would now be (theoretically) 'safe', assuming a free-r hand at the burn-off match?

You have to make sure the burn-offs are done safely. There have been instances in the past where a casual hand with a burn-off has resulted in uncontrolled fires which have caused massive damage.
The old Aboriginal pattern of mosaic burning is the best way to do it. And that needs a lot of people on the ground. People on the ground need appropriate protective clothing, equipment, communications, backup. It isn't that easy to organise, nor is it cheap. And the weather has to be right - you can't burn if it's too hot or too windy or pissing down.

[aloftas]

No, it isn't a simplistic issue, but your questions and responses are worded in ways that suggest you expect simplistic solutions.

Sure, there is wastage. It's inevitable in a bureaucracy. But the main issue facing the reserve system in Tasmania (indeed, throughout Australia) is underfunding by the Government, which is essentially caused by their contempt for our wilderness as anything but a field for resource extraction.

Right, I see....psychology as well?


Nah, its beaurocratic waste and over educated fools who cant actually see that management is done on a basis of the needs of the job at hand.

I can sense that there is some inability to muster the desire to see this.

Anyway NNW....best we disengage there are 9000 other folks to talk to.

I guess, as a retired farmer to see the clutching of foreheads saying that there is never an opportune window is balderdash.


Anyway... enough from me.

[north-north-west]

Nah, its beaurocratic waste and over educated fools who cant actually see that management is done on a basis of the needs of the job at hand.

this is not a simplistic argument

You're right, it's time for us to disengage. I have better things to do than try to discuss a complex issue with someone who can't see the contradiction in those two statements.

[walkabout]

Just heard on the radio that the February plains fire has joined with the Lake Mckenzie fire creating one large fire.
Lucky you, those who saw these areas as they were, because they will never be the same again. Boy Miles Dublin plain hut was lost this morning and others are threatened.

[eggs]

190mm on Maria Island - you guys drowning yet?

[DanShell]

Just heard on the radio that the February plains fire has joined with the Lake Mckenzie fire creating one large fire.
Lucky you, those who saw these areas as they were, because they will never be the same again. Boy Miles Dublin plain hut was lost this morning and others are threatened.

Its sad to see this happening yet we have had nearly 4 inches of rain just down the road. Rain can be cruel at times, why can't it rain on the fires.

[Scottyk]

The rain radar shows heavy falls through the area we need rain right now