Greg Banks

[Greg Banks]

Hi Frank
There is no formal training required for members of the public/contractors etc. in undertaking pile burns however the NSW RFS recommends they are undertaken according to the NSW RFS Standards for Pile Burning.

It is important to have the right equipment (handtools, water backpacks) and enough personnel on hand to assist, and of course assessment of the weather conditions to maximise safety of the burn. Those proposing to undertake pile burns should also ensure that their insurance covers liability should things go wrong.

If you want to do this type of work it would be a good idea to approach your local Fire & Rescue or RFS office about their requirements for contractors proposing to do pile burns on both public and private lands.

Are there any other contractors or others who have had experience in liaising with Fire & Rescue or the RFS about training for people wanting to carry out their own pile burns? Any advice for Frank would be welcome.

Greg

[Greg Banks]

Hugh, your response about the heat of a bushfire being necessary to either kill the existing plants and/or trigger sufficient germination in Lantana and other species, and a prescribed burn not generating enough heat, is a common observation by people involved in bush regeneration work. With Lantana I have observed a combination of herbicide/prescribed burn/follow-up herbicide being used to help the fire to do its job.

Is anyone aware of instances where prescribed fire has been intensive enough to successfully reduce weed density such that follow up herbicide application of existing parent plants can be minimised, and concentrated on seedlings that have germinated post-burn?

[Author]

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