Planned hazard reduction burn: East Nogoa River Reserve, Emerald South

Posted on May 28, 2020

UPDATE 28 May 2020: The hazard reduction burn has been rescheduled for 30 May 2020 with an estimated start time of 11.00 am.

UPDATE 21 May 2020: The hazard reduction burn planned for 23 May 2020 has been postponed due to rain forecast.

Central Highlands Regional Council is planning a controlled hazard reduction burn in the East Nogoa River Reserve in south Emerald on 23 May 2020.

Council’s Coordinator Disaster Management and Community Resilience Glenn Bell said it was the first of many hazard reduction burns as part of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Rural Fire Services Operation Cool Burn 2020.

‘Council and QFES have identified the area as high risk for the upcoming season, so the purpose of this burn is to create a fire break along the Nogoa River to protect residents from an uncontrolled fire,’ he said.

‘While we will try our best to keep smoke and ash hazards to a minimum, we may see a fair bit on the day and ask residents in adjoining areas to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties.’

Mr Bell said the exercise would be subject to weather on the day, which may also influence the amount of smoke produced.

For further information, please contact council’s Coordinator Disaster Management and Community Resilience via 1300 242 686 during business hours.