Fire-Getting the Balance Right

When most people think of fire, they think of danger. But for our local landscape, the right fire at the right time can actually make things safer for everyone. Across Queensland, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) uses the term' fire regime' to describe the frequency, intensity, and type of fires that occur in a particular area. Getting that balance right keeps our bushland healthy while also reducing the risk of large, uncontrollable bushfires.

For our brigade, this means planned burns aren’t always just about hazard reduction; they’re about restoring natural balance. Frequent, low-intensity fires help remove built-up fuel, protect homes and roads, and encourage native species that depend on fire for regeneration. Each patch of bush has its own rhythm, and when we plan our burns in line with those natural cycles, we’re helping nature and our neighbours.

Over time, this approach creates a mosaic of vegetation, areas that have burned and areas that haven’t. This patchwork landscape limits the spread of future bushfires and gives wildlife places to shelter. So when you see smoke on a calm day and crews on the ground, it’s often a sign of careful work being done to keep the community safe and the environment strong.