Planned burn offs take effect as smoke blankets sky across Douglas region

BURN OFFS

Michael Warren

Journalist

Last updated: 05/09/2023, 16:30:00 (AEST)

There were a number of smoke and fire hazards as burn offs were conducted between Craiglie and Palm Cove today. Picture: Michael Warren

The effects of planned burn offs between Craiglie and Palm Cove and separate areas within the Macalister Range National Park were there for all to see as smoke blanketed the air in areas visible from the Captain Cook Highway today.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships (QPWS&P) mentioned on August 18 it had plans to conduct burns over the next two months which would prove noticeable to Douglas Shire residents at different times throughout this period.

QPWS noted a few months back the planned burns are part of the annual hazard reduction/conservation management program for Northern Parks and Forests.

The aim of these burns is to reduce the volume of forest fuels and to create a mosaic pattern of burnt and unburnt areas.

This will help reduce the intensity of any subsequent wildfires and provide favourable conditions for natural forest regeneration.