Blackout Burning in Dry Conditions Increases Long-Term Fire Severity Risk

Diana Partridge (née Virkki); David Kington; Paul Williams; Darren Burns

Just Accepted

This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Blackout Burning in Dry Conditions Increases Long-Term Fire Severity Risk

Diana Partridge (née Virkki) , David Kington, Paul Williams, Darren Burns

Abstract

We use case studies to explore the impact of changed fire regimes on vegetation structure and fuel risk in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Multiple studies report high intensity wildfires promote excessive shrub and sapling densities, which increase elevated fuel hazard. We argue asset protection burns in dry conditions can cause similar vegetation thickening to an intense wildfire, which increases fire severity risk due to increased elevated fuel loads. We demonstrate regular low intensity burning with adequate soil moisture can achieve fuel reduction objectives. This provides a longer-term solution that promotes risk reduction to communities, whilst leading to better ecological outcomes and reduced cost of implementation over the long-term.

WF23180 Accepted 29 July 2024