We’ve certainly had our fair share of rain this year, however there’s still a threat of fire despite the wet.

Our bush fire management team work closely with local Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Rural Fire Service to plan ahead with hazard reduction burns, reducing the chance of bush fires impacting our homes, lives and wildlife.

A recent burn at Manly Warringah War Memorial State Park – otherwise known as Manly Dam - demonstrates the balancing act involved.

The firefighters had to consider maintaining some community access on the day, minimising smoke impacts and protecting environmental assets.

Many Dam is brimming with abundant flora and fauna and is home to some of our threatened Powerful Owls. So, when the team discovered a nesting site slap bang in the middle of the burn location, they worked carefully on the day to ensure that this tree was unaffected.

While the sight of burnt, blackened land can be unnerving, it’s good to know that most of our native plants are adapted to bush fire and often need fire to be able to reproduce. In many cases, the recovery process is surprisingly quick.

Many animals also use recently burnt areas to forage for food, quite soon after a fire. Re-sprouting can occur within weeks for some plants, and seeds begin to germinate once the first good rains fall.

Council continues to support the lead agencies in their efforts to reduce bush fire threats. As the weather improves and conditions allow, further hazard reduction burns will be carried out.  

Learn more about prescribed burns and hazard reduction burns in our area.