What is ACF’s position on fuel reduction burning?
Some commentators suggest environmentalists are opposed to fuel reduction burning or other hazard reduction strategies. This is incorrect. ACF supports the use of fuel reduction burning as part of a sensible, scientific and comprehensive approach to reducing the risk to people, property and wildlife. A single burning regime across more than 400 different classes of vegetation community in Victoria simply wouldn’t work; unfortunately there are no simple recipes for managing a flammable continent. Striking the right balance between the twin goals of ecosystem health and fuel reduction is an ongoing challenge. In most cases, however, it is doable. The key is to burn ‘patchily’ to mimic the natural conditions under which wildlife and their habitats evolved. This leaves unburnt areas in which wildlife can shelter and from which plants and animals can recolonise burnt patches.
