Cool patch burn

Cool patch burns are low intensity ecological burns, mimicking ancient indigenous burning practices. Sites are carefully chosen, with ecosystem and threatened species requirements, and burn history taken into account. Weather conditions are closely monitored, including temperature, relative humidity and wind strength/direction. This burn, in association with Rural Fire Service, took place in Box Gum Grassy Woodland, where the burn plan revolves around a 15 year rotation.

Cool burning involves lighting low fires in small areas, usually in the cooler months, and resulting in a mosaic or patchwork of burns. The fires are closely monitored, ensuring that only the ground layer or underbrush is burnt.

Cool burns clear patches of land, triggering germination of some species (eg terrestrial orchids), promoting biodiverse vegetation communities, and also ensuring that seeds and nutrients in the soil are not baked and destroyed.

Mid Autumn: temperature 3-19ºC, relative humidity 40-60%, winds light nor-westerly. 

Low intensity ecological mosaic cool burn: 3.5ha, 0% canopy scorch, 60% leaf litter remaining.

Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis) a month and 17mm rainfall post fire.