DBCA stands by prescribed burns program near Walpole

A Walpole farmer has slammed Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions plans to go ahead with prescribed burns this summer, urging the Premier in a letter not to allow the burns to go ahead. Fire brigade member Tony Pedro said summer burns could cause “death and severe damage” in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park — home to 1000-year-old tingle trees endemic to the area. The prescribed burns are part of DBCA’s Regional Burn Options program in the area named FRK 073 Tingle View. But the DBCA said prescribed burns helped reduce fuel loads and total fire bans in the South West did not always apply to the Walpole area. DBCA acting regional manager Tim Foley said the DBCA was in the planning stages of prescribed burn FRK 073 Tingle View. “The area is five kilometres northeast of Walpole and on this year’s Regional Burn Options program,” he said. “Not all burns on the program occur in a given year. “Prescribed burns only commence under certain weather conditions when fuel moisture levels are favourable to carry mild fire and the burn can be conducted safely. “This prescribed burn is intended to provide an area of reduced fuel loads to ensure strategic protection to the Walpole townsite and nearby Tingle View subdivision, neighbouring rural properties and infrastructure from bushfire. “DBCA has developed and applied specific operational guidelines for the pre-burn treatment of tingle trees to minimise the impacts of prescribed burning. “Prescribed burning preparation includes scrub rolling around the perimeter of the burn to facilitate the protection of large and hollow trees and improve safety for fire crews when mopping up the perimeter. “Total fire bans in parts of the South West do not always apply to Walpole given its different weather conditions.”