Usage of Cool Burning as a Contributor to Bushfire Mitigation

Abstract

This paper considers and describes the cool burning techniques long utilized by Australian Indigenous people as a contributor to bushfire mitigation. Indigenous fire management involves lighting the “ cool ” fires in selected areas between March and July, in Australia, during the early dry season. The fires burn gradually, reducing fuel loads and creating fire breaks and not all of the area is burnt. Late in the dry season, when the weather is very hot, the method removes fuel for larger fires while maintaining and protecting habitat for mammals , reptiles, insects and birds. The management of Indigenous cultural fire offers an Indigenous viewpoint for wider control of fire and cultural fire management is an opportunity for collaborations to encourage Aboriginal empo werment with public and private sector organisations. Effective cool burning in contemporary prescribed burning activities can be achieved through imp lementation of good training, strong partnerships, carefully considered on ground practices and appropriate and effective techniques.