Why Does the Brigade Burn?

If you’ve ever seen smoke in the hills on a calm winter or spring day, there’s a good chance it’s part of a planned burn, a carefully managed operation carried out by your local Rural Fire Brigade and land managers.

So, why do we burn? Quite simply, it’s about keeping our community safe and looking after the bush we all love.

Each planned burn is designed to reduce the build-up of dry leaves, grass and fallen branches, the fuel that feeds bushfires. By removing this fuel in the cooler months, we lower the intensity and spread of future fires when conditions turn hot and dry. These burns also help create safe zones for firefighters to work from if a bushfire does occur.

But it’s not just about protection. Fire is a natural part of many of our Australian landscapes. Controlled burning helps renew ecosystems, encourage native plants to regenerate, and maintain healthy habitats for wildlife. Some species even rely on periodic fire to thrive.

Behind every burn is careful science, local knowledge, and teamwork. Before a match is ever struck, brigades spend time planning, checking weather conditions, consulting neighbours, and ensuring everything is ready for a safe and effective operation.

So when you see that column of smoke on the horizon, remember, it’s not destruction, it’s prevention and renewal in action. The brigade burns today so our community and environment are safer tomorrow.