2021-02-09 P&E Agenda - Item 6 - Attachment 2 - Draft Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan 2021

6. Risk mitigation measures
6.1     Asset Protection Zones
Asset Protection Zones are designed to mitigate risk immediately next to reserve neighbours but still
achieve biodiversity outcomes across the extent of the reserve. Asset Protection Zones may consist
of one or both of the following, depending on site conditions:

     Fire access trails (also known as Fuel Free Zones) immediately next to neighbouring assets
     Fuel Reduced Zone (FRZ) where vegetation understory and ground cover is reduced either
      mechanically or through frequent burning




Figure 4. Illustration of an Asset Protection Zone (Source: 10 Rivers Environment Consultancy)

Fire Access Trails and Fuel Reduced Zones are discussed further below.
6.1.1    Fire access trails
Fire access trails within Council managed Bushland Reserves facilitate access for fire appliances for
the purposes of undertaking planned burns or controlling small fires. Although the fire trails are
slashed or mown and are considered ‘fuel free’, in severe and above rated wildfire conditions fire
trails seldom provide a barrier to a fire front as fires can ‘spot’ hundreds of metres ahead. Fire trails
are not normally accessed with vehicles if a large fire front is approaching.

The width of the fire trail depends on the Bushfire Interface Zone risk assessment undertaken along
reserve boundaries and the requirements for access by different size fire vehicles. Fire trails in higher
risk areas will receive more frequent maintenance mowing/slashing than lower priority areas.


6.1.2    Fuel Reduced Zones (FRZ)
Fuel Reduced Zones (FRZ) may be located next to fire trails where greater protection to
neighbouring properties is required. FRZ reduce vegetative fuel by clearing the understory and
ground cover, but not the taller trees. This reduces the chance of a fire carrying from the ground into
the tree canopy.

In some cases FRZ are used as an alternative to fire trails. FRZ’s can be used in areas that re
steeply sloping and a fire trail would cause significant erosion and are not practical for fire vehicles
to access.

DRAFT Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Fire Management Plan                                     Page 19