With evidence of climate change increasing the frequency of major and catastrophic fire episodes, it is important that land managers have their fire management practices refined and able to withstand scrutiny. Travers bushfire & ecology has a long history of undertaking fire management projects for land managers. For more than 20 years we have consulted to a variety of clients who deal with the issues of fire and ecology in the landscape, advising on strategies for asset protection, fire suppression, fire regimes and conservation. We draw on many years of hands-on experience in reserve management, fire fighting and incident management.

Fire Management Planning

Travers bushfire & ecology has prepared fire management plans and strategies for a variety of land managers. Examples include 18 fire management plans for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and several Local Government Area wide projects for Councils. We are experienced in following an agency format or developing a specific layout to suit a land manager’s needs.

Typically, field survey is conducted within all asset protection zones and fire trails to ensure that management strategies are logical and practical. GIS computer mapping is then used to present this data within the management plan.

Travers bushfire & ecology is experienced in working with a broad range of issues including hazardous urban / bushland escarpments, arson, threatened species and cultural issues and can provide site specific plans and detailed strategies for land managers.

Specific examples of projects include;

• Yengo, Parr & Dharug National Park Reserve Fire Plan NSW NPWS
• Maitland City Council Bushfire Management Plan
• Gosford City Council Natural Areas Bushfire Risk Assessment
• Australian Rail Track Corporation – Bushfire Hazard Assessment
• National Bushfire Risk Review, Stockland Pty Ltd

Key Elements of Fire Management

Risk Analysis

The first step is to identify the natural, cultural and built assets at risk on or adjoining the managed land. This will usually involve a database search, consultation and field investigation. It can also involve GIS bushfire behaviour and fuel load modelling. Analysis of fire history can identify if issues such as arson need to be addressed. A risk matrix is then used to assign categories and establish priorities.

Fire Trail Audit and Management

The identification, mapping and management of fire trails can be a time consuming task. We have developed a system where trails are mapped using GPS. A fire trail rationalisation assessment can be undertaken. Trails are then classified using the relevant state system. Works priorities can then be established.

Bushfire Ecology

Contemporary fire management aims to promote biodiversity and conservation by the development of suitable fire regimes. Following the identification of vegetation communities we can develop a desired fire regime based on these principles.  Issues of fire intensity, season and frequency can be addressed depending on the complexity and management aims of the landscape. GIS can be used to analyse the current fire regime and determine if any areas have burn burnt too regularly. Fire regimes and management activities need to consider any relevant threatened species management issues.

Strategies

The land is categorised into fire management zones, with strategic and asset protection zones identifying where fire management activities will take place. Strategies will address any of the site specific management issues identified such as arson, risk to assets or important environmental issues. Prescribed burn, trail maintenance and fire break maintenance schedules can then be developed.

Other Areas of Expertise include

• Evacuation plans for facilities and communities
• Court representation
• Bushfire assessment reports for development and building applications and AS3959 construction standards review.
• Flora and fauna survey and survey assessment by qualified and experienced field experts supported by a full range of survey equipment suitable for projects of any scale.