STATE BUSHFIRE COORDINATION COMMITTEE - LGA SA
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STATE BUSHFIRE
COORDINATION COMMITTEE
GPO BOX 2468
31 May 2021
ADELAIDE SA 5001
TELEPHONE: 08 8463 4200
Mr Matt Pinnegar
Chief Executive Officer
Our ref: SBCC0123
Local Government Association (LGA)
Enquiries: Anthea Howard
GPO Box 2693
Telephone: 0419 195 169
Adelaide SA 5001
Email: anthea.howard@sa.gov.au
Via email: ashlea.lyall@lga.sa.gov.au
Dear Mr Pinnegar,
Invitation to Comment – Draft Code of Practice for Broadacre Burning
At its meeting on 14 May 2021, the State Bushfire Coordination Committee (SBCC) endorsed
consultation occurring on an updated code of practice for broadacre burning (enclosed), incorporating
new detail on smoke management and averting risk to sensitive areas, including unharvested wine
grapes.
The draft document was introduced to the Committee by the Department for Primary Industries and
Regions (PIRSA), who have been working with a range of stakeholders for some time to develop
approaches to smoke management.
Your organisation is now invited to consider the draft, socialise it among your stakeholders for review, and
comment as you consider appropriate.
In so doing, there are several matters you are asked to consider, outlined below.
Status of the Code – voluntary or mandatory?
The origin and evolution of this code has been as a document supporting self-regulation among
landholders within the primary production sector. Recent regulatory changes have provided for legal
status to be conferred upon ‘codes of practice’ endorsed by the SBCC. However, this is a discretionary
provision, and the SBCC has asked that, in reviewing the draft document, stakeholders consider whether
it is appropriate that the code remains a voluntary document – in which case it could perhaps be re-
named as ‘management guidelines’ to avoid any confusion – or whether it should be a mandated code
with legal effect. If the general view is that it should be a mandated code, the format will need to be
reworked, and further consultation occur, in order that it can be utilised for compliance purposes.
It would be appreciated if your organisation could indicate your view regarding whether it should be a
voluntary or mandatory code in providing any comment on the draft.
Feedback received to date
A number of initial comments have been received from stakeholders as well as during the Committee’s
discussion of the draft on 14 May, and these are summarised in Attachment A to this correspondence for
your consideration.
Consultation timelines
Consultation on this draft document commences from 31 May 2021, and will conclude on 12 July 2021.
Comments received will then be reviewed and collated, and adjustments made to the draft. Pending
feedback received, it is proposed to provide a final document for endorsement to the State Bushfire
Coordination Committee ahead of its next meeting on 13 August 2021.
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COORDINATION COMMITTEE
Should you have any questions on this matter, we kindly request that you direct them in accordance with
the information provided below.
Technical matters regarding smoke management as it relates to grain and wine production:
Dave Lewis – Senior Industry Adviser | Industry Analysis and Insights
Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Dave.Lewis@sa.gov.au or 08 8429 0472 | 0409 289 107
Questions regarding the status of the code and the consultation process:
Anthea Howard – Executive Officer, State Bushfire Coordination Committee
anthea.howard@sa.gov.au or 0419 195 169
The Committee thanks you in anticipation of your consideration of this draft document, and provision of
feedback in due course, and ideally no later than 12 July 2021, to: CFS.SBCC@sa.gov.au.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Mark Jones QFSM
Chair, State Bushfire Coordination Committee
Cc. John Moyle, SBCC Member, john.moyle@cttg.sa.gov.au
Encl. Draft Code of Practice for Broadacre Burning
Attachment A: Summary of comments received to date
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COORDINATION COMMITTEE
ATTACHMENT A
DRAFT CODE OF PRACTICE FOR BROADACRE BURNING -
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS RECEIVED TO DATE
• Clearer description needed regarding Table 1 and Table 2 prescriptions of suitable weather
conditions for broadacre burning
• The scope of the code was confirmed to exclude native vegetation management and forestry
plantation fuel reduction burns. The latter will be considered separately with appropriate industry
engagement
• There is a need to include reference to human health impacts from smoke
• Consider whether the document is too long and if there are options to split the document into
different components
• A question was asked: why isn’t the code applied to certain ’nominated’ areas where there is
grape growing ‘nearby’? By way of explanation, it is noted that smoke is very mobile and can
travel significant distances in certain weather conditions, so it is difficult to pin down geographical
area (eg. where sensitive crops may be located)
• Suggest ‘Introduction’ paragraph adjusted to provide clarity of purposes for broadacre burning
(eg. integrated pest management)
• Under paragraph titled ‘Wind speed and spotting potential’ use dot points to for improved
comprehension
• Better definition of ‘machined’ – suggest use: ‘disced, ploughed or harrowed’
• Questions over smoke management communication protocol –
o how will farmers obtain knowledge of unharvested vineyards?
o should farmers be consulting neighbouring vineyard neighbours?
• Question over providing scale of stubble types and differing fire behaviour
• Question regarding specifying the number of days to patrol burn area after a burn
• Clarify abbreviations for ‘metres’
• Under ‘Smoke management’ paragraph insert that: ‘smoke generation may breach the Local
Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016’
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COORDINATION COMMITTEE
DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION – MAY 2021
CODE OF PRACTICE for BROADACRE BURNING
Introduction
The objectives of broadacre burning are to reduce grain crop residue, weed seeds and snails and to
assist with soil improvement. A combination of weather parameters is required to produce a burn that
is consistent and doesn’t leave patchy or unburnt areas. Broadacre burning is a farm management
practice that can produce significant fire risk every summer and autumn if not carefully planned and
implemented with caution.
Weather conditions conducive to this type of burning continue after the Fire Danger Season has
finished and legislated restrictions on the use of fire no longer apply unless a Total Fire Ban is declared.
Unfortunately, some broadacre burning activities have been conducted in an inappropriate manner
outside the Fire Danger Season leading to increased risk of fires escaping into unburnt neighbouring
land.
This Code of Practice serves as a guide to the South Australian farming community. It prescribes the
process and resources recommended to plan for and conduct a safe broadacre burn whether it be
during or outside of the fire danger season.
Local councils or Bushfire Management Committees may also include additional precautionary factors
to this Code of Practice for their district.
Legislation
Under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 broadacre burning cannot be carried out during the
Fire Danger Season unless a Schedule 9 permit has been issued by the local council.
On a day of Total Fire Ban broadacre burning cannot be carried out unless a Schedule 10 permit has
been issued by the local council.
These legislative restrictions on the use of fire do not apply outside the Fire Danger Season unless a
Total Fire Ban is declared. On such a day broadacre burning cannot be carried out unless a Schedule 10
permit has been issued by the local council.
This type of burning may also be subject to controls where local government regulations have been
linked to the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016 within the Environment Protection Act
1993. The local council must be consulted for restrictions regarding broadacre burning all year round.
Code of Practice
PLANNING YOUR BURN
APPROPRIATE WEATHER CONDITIONS
Weather Forecast
Weather forecasts are important when planning and carrying out a broadacre burn. On the day before
the planned burn the Bureau of Meteorology website should be consulted for the weather forecast
and warnings for the local area to provide a general view of the weather conditions to expect in the
1STATE BUSHFIRE
COORDINATION COMMITTEE
coming two days. If the weather is forecast to be unfavourable for the day of the planned burn or the
days after, the burn should be postponed until more favourable conditions are forecast.
Total Fire Ban Days
Broadacre burning is not permitted on days declared as Total Fire Ban unless a Schedule 10 Permit to
Burn has been obtained from an Authorised Officer. If a Total Fire Ban has been declared for the
following day and a permit to burn has not been obtained the fire must be fully extinguished by
midnight. On the day of the Total Fire Ban the burnt area must be inspected regularly to ensure there
are no flare ups. Stubble dump burns are hard to extinguish completely and will need to be monitored
closely.
Actual Weather - In the Paddock
The actual weather conditions, including wind speed and direction, the temperature and relative
humidity at the burn site must be measured prior to lighting to determine whether the burn can
proceed. To determine any unfavourable changes to weather conditions during the burn the wind
speed and direction, the temperature and relative humidity should be continued to be measured
every 2 hours or when changing weather conditions are suspected.
Wind Speed and Spotting Potential
Wind speed is an important factor influencing the success or potential failure of a broadacre burn.
If wind speed is too low (5 km/h or less), the fire spread will not be consistent and burn objectives will
not be met. Wind speeds in excess of 19 km/h (measured at 10 metres above ground level) or 15 km/h
(measured at 2 metres above ground level) would be considered unsafe. Winds of this speed can
move debris resulting in greater potential for spotting over fuel breaks. Ideally light winds, between 10
– 18 Km/h, will produce a consistent and complete burn with the fire being easier to control within
fuel breaks with water.
Suitable Weather Conditions
Together with wind speeds averaged over 10 minutes exceeding 19 km/h (15km/h), this Code of
Practice also requires that burning does not occur when the local Grass Fire Danger Index (GFDI)
exceeds 20. The tables below show weather factors that equate to a GFDI of 20 where the wind speed
is measured at both 10 and 2 metres.
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COORDINATION COMMITTEE
Table 1 – Wind speed measured at 10 metres above ground level at the intended burn site.
Relative Humidity %
GFDI
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
20
15 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38
20 17 19 20 22 24 25 27 29 30 32
25 16 17 18 20 21 22 24 25 26 28
Temperature 0C
30 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25
35 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23
40 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Table 2 – Wind speed measured at 2 metres above ground level at the intended burn site.
Relative Humidity %
GFDI
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
20
15 15 17 19 20 22 24 25 27 28 30
20 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 23 24 25
25 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22
Temperature 0C
30 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
35 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 16 17
40 10 11 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 16
GFDI determined by MK5 Meter with curing 100% and fuel load 4.5 t/ha
In both tables the green cells indicate the weather conditions suitable for burning. If the combination
of temperature, relative humidity and average wind speed recorded sits within a red cell, weather
conditions are not suitable for burning.
FUEL BREAK PREPARATION
Prior to conducting a burn, a 4 metre fuel break (or the distance prescribed by a permit) must be
established around the perimeter of the area to be burnt. This also applies to paddocks containing
windrows and stubble dumps.
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COORDINATION COMMITTEE
A bare earth fuel break is desirable as it is efficient at stopping the forward spread of a fire. In the case
that a fuel break cannot be bare earth, then a 4 metre break must be sufficiently ploughed or
harrowed so as to break up the vegetation to provide a boundary where a fire will stop with minimal
or no suppression support. Roads, tracks or rocky and sandy areas with minimal vegetation can act as
a natural fuel break. Where paddocks abut vegetation ensure the fire break is sufficient to prevent the
burn from spotting into it.
Fuel breaks are effective provided the fire is not spotting.
NATIVE VEGETATION CONSIDERATIONS
If the burn area contains scattered trees and or remnant vegetation that are native there are
guidelines that will need to be adhered to when undertaking burning operations. The guidelines are
stipulated within the information sheet titled ‘Native Vegetation Stubble Burning – Protecting Trees
and Remnant Vegetation’ and is available from the Department for Environment and Water (DEW)
website www.environment.sa.gov.au
FIREFIGHTING RESOURCES
It is important to plan for appropriate resourcing of a broadacre burn so that it can be easily controlled
minimising fire escape potential. Do not attempt to burn more area, windrows or stubble dumps than
can be controlled by the number of responsible people and resources available. The appropriate
amount of resources (people and equipment) must be readily available during and after the burn. All
equipment must be maintained to a fully operational standard at all times.
Be aware that the fire escape potential is influenced by a number of factors and can occur at any time
during a burn.
Responsible Person
A responsible person is a person who is over the age of 16 years of age and is competently able to
drive a vehicle and operate a water pump and hose.
A minimum of two (2) responsible people are required when any of the following conditions are
present to counteract increased fire escape potential:
• Temperature is >30oC
• Relative humidity isSTATE BUSHFIRE
COORDINATION COMMITTEE
It is recommended that the following firefighting water resources are available at the burn site when
whole paddock or windrow burning.
• Minimum of 400L of water
• Appropriate number of knapsack spray pumps for firefighting or 9L water fire extinguishers
• If available have a minimum of 1000L of water as extra fire unit(s) with a pump and hose
For stubble dump burning a minimum 1000L of water connected to a working firefighting pump and
hose must be kept at hand to extinguish the fire. This is to remain at the location for a further 2 to 3
days following the completion of the burn or until the area is machined.
Private Farm Fire Unit(s)
A well maintained and fully operational private farm fire unit(s) must be in the burn area until the fire
has diminished and will not escape. For recommendations regarding safe operation of farm fire units
please refer to the Private Farm Fire Unit Handbook (www.cfs.sa.gov.au). Activate the amber rotating
beacon on the farm fire unit(s) prior to starting the burn operation.
Personal Safety Equipment
Safety equipment must be provided and used appropriately, including a fully equipped first aid kit and
plenty of drinking water. Appropriate protective clothing and safety equipment must be worn during
the burn operation as per recommendations in the Private Farm Fire Unit Handbook.
COMMUNICATION
All neighbouring landholders and occupiers must be notified of the intention to burn 2 – 24 hours prior
to conducting the burn. If burning under permit conditions, then any requirements as listed on the
permit for notification of the burn must be adhered to.
Communicate the burn plan to the responsible person(s) assisting in the burn operation. It is
important to ensure that everyone knows the type of stubble and composition, the lighting and burn
method, their roles in the operation and understanding of contingency plans should the weather
change and or the fire becomes uncontrollable.
At all times ensure there is immediate access to a UHF CB radio and or fully charged mobile phone that
has service coverage in the burn area. The mobile phone should be carried on the person at all times.
If relying upon a UHF CB radio then there must be a responsible person at the other end who can call
‘000’.
If the fire becomes out of control call ‘000’ immediately.
SMOKE MANAGEMENT
To manage smoke production, do not start burning too early in the day or until the fuel has sufficiently
dried out. Large amounts of green fuels will cause a smoke management problem.
Wind direction is a contributing factor to smoke causing adverse effects on sensitive sites, such as
townships, hospitals, schools, unharvested vineyards etc. Note whether or not there are any sensitive
sites nearby to ensure the wind direction is such that it will not cause smoke to impact on them.
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COORDINATION COMMITTEE
Another contributing factor to smoke causing adverse effects is the influence of surface temperature
inversion layers caused by a layer of cool, still air trapped below warm air. These layers are considered
to be more prevalent from 4 pm in the day until 2 hours after sunrise. As a guide, conducting burns
between 10 am and 4 pm allows for fuel moisture to have decreased sufficiently, therefore producing
less smoke, and avoids the hours when inversion conditions are likely to cause smoke to settle and
effect sensitive sites.
A surface temperature inversion is likely to be present if:
• Mist, fog, dew or a frost have occurred.
• Smoke or dust hangs in the air and moves sideways, just above the ground surface.
• Cumulus clouds that have built up during the day collapse towards evening.
• Wind speed is constantly less than 11km/hr in the evening and overnight.
• Cool off-slope breezes develop during the evening and overnight.
• Distant sounds become clearer and easier to hear.
• Aromas become more distinct during the evening than during the day.
For further Information please refer to the fact sheet: ‘Surface Temperature Inversions and Spraying’.
July 2014 - available from Grain Research Development Corporation website www.grdc.com.au
The BOM provides a forecast service for predicting surface temperature inversions in particular
locations. This may be accessed via the Bureau of Meteorology MetEye website 10, under the Wind
Forecast, Mixing Height search tool. This information may assist in managing the risk of smoke
effecting sensitive sites when conducting broadacre burning.
If the area to be burnt is adjacent to a regularly used road and smoke is likely to blow over the road,
impairing the vision and safety of drivers you must place approved SMOKE HAZARD signs on both sides
of the road. These signs should be placed on the shoulder of the road so they can be seen by drivers
before they encounter smoke. They may be temporarily fixed to a rigid guidepost but should not be
fixed to other road signs or displayed in such a way as to impact traffic. If stands are used they need to
be capable of remaining upright and in place under windy conditions.
When placing signs on roads maintained by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport it would
be useful to notify the Traffic Management Centre on 1800 018 313 of the times they are going to be
displayed.
To prevent the need for signage, make sure the wind direction directs smoke away from any roads.
Smoke Taint and Grapevines
Grapevines exposed to smoke during sensitive growing periods could negatively impact the quality of
grapes used in wine production. The level to which a grapevine is susceptible to smoke exposure is
related to the growth stage. The period up to flowering has the lowest potential for smoke taint of
grapes. However the risk of smoke uptake increases significantly from pea size berries to the highest
when the grapes soften and ripen up to harvest. Subject to seasonal weather influences typically the
period of ripening of the berries up to harvest ranges from January in the Riverland to early May in the
South East. Heavy exposure for a period of up to 30 minutes could be sufficient to result in smoke
taint.
10
Reference: http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
6STATE BUSHFIRE
COORDINATION COMMITTEE
Reducing the threat of smoke potentially effecting unharvested grapevine crops
In order to identify risk periods to avoid the threat of smoke potentially effecting grapevine crops a
formalised communication protocol has been established (facilitated by Department of Primary
Industries and Regions SA) where local grape and wine organisations will provide regular updates of
harvested and unharvested grapevine crops.
This will enable the landholders to take into account knowledge of unharvested grapes when
determining whether to undertake a broadacre burn.
It is therefore recommended that in order to reduce the risk of unharvested grapevine crops being
potentially effected by smoke generated from broadacre burning:-
• Vineyard owners/managers need to provide regular updates unharvested grapevine crops.
• Any broadacre burning to be conducted between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm (or when inversion
conditions are not forecast) in grain growing districts.
• Before any broadacre burning is carried out ensure prevailing winds will not carry the smoke
towards nearby unharvested grapevines.
BURN PLAN – SAFE LIGHTING AND BURNING
LIGHTING EQUIPMENT
It is the responsibility of the land manager to exercise safe work practices when operating devices
used to execute the lighting of the burn. It is recommended to use a commercially constructed drip
torch as it is purpose built with safety features to prevent unnecessary malfunction and injury.
STUBBLE CHARACTERISTICS AND FIRE BEHAVIOUR
Consider the type of stubble, height of stubble, fuel load, whether it’s a whole paddock, windrow or
stubble dump burn and modify your burn techniques to account for the differences.
Stubble type
Burning types of stubble will produce variations in fire behaviour. Cereal, canola and legume stubble
exhibit differences in composition, density, stalk dimension and oil content, which effects fire spread
and intensity.
Stubble Height
The resultant height of stubble after harvest can vary every year, farm to farm, across the State. Fuel
height influences flame height and fire behaviour. Vegetation 10 cm or less generates a lower flame
height and the fire will be easier to control. The longer the standing stubble the higher the flame
height will be and the more difficult a fire will be to control.
If the stubble height is more than 15cm more people are to be in attendance.
Stubble Fuel Load
Stubble fuel load influences flame length, flame depth and fire intensity. Increased stubble fuel loads
occur due to high rainfall throughout the growing season and modern farming practices through
retaining stubble. Sparse stubble with bare ground will produce a narrow fire of less intensity. A heavy
fuel load will have more debris that could spot ahead of the fire especially in higher wind speeds.
7STATE BUSHFIRE
COORDINATION COMMITTEE
Embers landing on heavy stubble have more chance of ignition than embers landing on sparse stubble.
More people and firefighting resources must be available for a burn if the stubble fuel load is greater
than 4 tonnes per hectare.
Whole Paddock vs Windrow
Whole paddock burning and windrow burning operations also create different fire behaviours with
fuel loads either spread over a whole paddock or concentrated in wide or narrow rows. Windrow
burns can often turn into whole paddock burns due to stubble in between the windrows catching
alight. This occurs when windrow height is greater than 15 centimetres and/or there is retained
stubble on the surface in between rows.
Stubble Dump
A stubble dump burn produces different fire behaviour to that of whole paddock or windrow burns. A
stubble dump is a pile of crop residue that is produced during harvest as opposed to the residue being
spread across the paddock or concentrated in rows behind the harvester. Due to the concentration
and compaction of material a stubble dump burn needs to be actively monitored until it is fully
extinguished. If left smouldering rekindling could occur many days after the burn. With unfavourable
winds embers could be blown increasing the potential of fire escape to unwanted areas.
SAFE PRACTICE BURN METHODS
There are stubble burning methods that can be used to control the direction and rate of burning to
match the wind strength. This ensures the fire can be controlled should unpredictable and
unfavourable weather conditions arise. The methods for windrow burning differ to whole paddock
burning due to the characteristics of windrows. The requirements prior to lighting a stubble dump are
different to whole paddock and windrow burning. Examples of each burning method are provided as a
guide to safe practice.
Whole Paddock Burn Method
Following is a recommended burn method that incorporates safe practice for burning a whole
paddock.
Establish a Protective Burn Break
First light the fire on the leeward side of the land to establish a protective break of 10 – 20m. It is
recommended to light a spot every 10m along the leeward edge, which will make the initial fire easy
to manage. The spots will flank out and join up with moderate fire behaviour compared to lighting a
strip of fire along the leeward edge.
If the area to be burnt is on hilly land then burn downhill where possible. Burning up a steep incline,
even against the wind, is always dangerous practice.
Light the Flank and Windward Sides
Once a protective break is established light part way up each flank – a length of about 10 – 20m up
each side. Then lighting from the windward side of the land can be undertaken. The flank fires will join
with the leeward fire and the windward fire will meet up with it, producing a technically safe burn.
Windrow Burn Method
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COORDINATION COMMITTEE
Following is a recommended burn method that incorporates safe practice for burning windrows.
Consider Fuel Type
Lupin and canola windrows can be burnt with the wind due to less crop residue in the stubble,
however a light cross wind is ideal. Wheat windrows, especially if yields were between 2 – 2.5t/ha, are
harder to contain to the windrows so avoid burning or burn into the wind under cooler conditions.
Avoid burning barley stubbles as the extra leaf residue makes it difficult to contain the fire to the
windrows.
Establish a Protective Burn Break
In the first instance burn the outside two laps of the paddock before lighting the remainder of the
paddock. Take care to contain the fire to the windrows. Consideration should be given to harvesting
low to reduce the risk of fire spreading into adjacent stubble.
Light Remaining Windrows
Light up remaining windrows approximately every 200m under a light cross wind as it will fuel the fire
to the soil surface. If burning into the wind a second able bodied person is required with a farm fire
unit to extinguish the downwind fire. Do not light up and burn any more than the available resources
can control.
As a suggested resource for further information on windrow burning please refer to -
‘Narrow Windrow Burning in southern NSW … the good the bad and the ugly’ 2015 - available from the
Grain Research Development Corporation website www.grdc.com.au
Stubble Dump Burn Method
The following recommendations need to be followed to ensure safe stubble dump burning.
Stubble Dump Size
The larger the pile of stubble the harder it will be to achieve a complete burn and to extinguish. It is
recommended that the size of a stubble dump does not exceed a height of 0.5 metres and a diameter
of 1.5 metres.
Establish a Protective Burn Break
As with windrows, stubble dumps are surrounded by standing stubble plus or minus the residue on the
surface. In addition to the 4m fuel break around the paddock containing the dumps, there must be a
20m burnt or cleared area constructed around each pile. Extra vigilance and personnel must be
employed if planning to burn around a pile to construct the fuel break.
No stubble dumps are to be burnt within 25 metres of a boundary fence.
Lighting a Stubble Dump
It is recommended to first light one stubble dump and monitor how it burns. If it appears to be
burning consistently and not producing too much smoke then continue lighting a few more piles.
If it produces too much smoke and does not completely combust easily do not continue lighting and
wait for more favourable conditions or spread out the pile to increase the amount of air available for
combustion.
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COORDINATION COMMITTEE
DO NOT light more stubble dumps than can be managed with the resources on hand. More people
and resources are required if you plan to burn more than 3 dumps at a time.
MONITOR THE BURN
Monitoring of a whole of paddock burn is essential, particularly if the burn area adjoins other stubble
paddocks. Vigilance for spot fires needs to be maintained and gates left open to ensure quick
response.
As windrow burns may spot or creep into surrounding stubble and residue, it is important to
constantly monitor what is burning to ensure containment of the fire to the windrow.
Extra care needs to be taken with stubble dump burns due to their height and that they burn hot due
to the amount of compacted fuel. Any unfavourable wind change may pick up burning embers and
distribute them on surrounding fuel causing unwanted spot fires.
MONITOR THE WEATHER CONDITIONS
By regularly measuring the weather conditions at the burn site (2 hourly or when you suspect
conditions are changing) you will be abreast of unfavourable changes in wind direction and speed. If
the wind speed and direction changes considerably cease lighting and make every effort to ensure the
perimeter is safe.
WHEN THE BURN IS COMPLETE
When a whole paddock burn is complete always make sure there is no active fire on the burnt area.
On completion of a windrow burn, all active fire is to be extinguished to prevent reigniting and
accidental lighting of intervening standing stubble. Stubble dump burns will need to be spread out and
then fully extinguished to prevent smouldering and potential rekindling.
PATROL THE BURN AREA
Regularly patrol the burn area for a number of days after the operation is completed to guard against
rekindling. This patrolling is especially important if the following day is a forecast Total Fire Ban. In the
case of burning stubble dumps the burn area and burnt piles must be monitored closely for a longer
time period due to the difficulty of extinguishing them completely.
A SAFE BROADACRE BURN IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
If you plan to light a broadacre burn it is your responsibility to ensure the burn is conducted safely and
contained within the burn area. Every effort must be made to follow the recommendations to ensure
the burn will not impact on surrounding land or become uncontrollable.
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CHECKLIST FOR PLANNING A BROADACRE BURN
1. Ensure the weather conditions are appropriate for a safe burn.
Review the weather forecast for the day of and 2 days after the burn.
Unfavourable forecast – postpone the burn.
Total Fire Ban Day – postpone the burn or plan to extinguish completely before midnight.
Handheld weather meter needs to be at the burn site.
Measure weather conditions at the burn site prior to and 2 hourly during the burn.
2. DO NOT burn when:
Wind speed at the burn site exceeds 19km/h (when measured at 10 metres) or 15km/h (when
measured at 2 metres).
GFDI is >20.
3. Prepare a 4m wide fuel break around the burn area (or as prescribed by permit conditions)
Bare earth is desirable as it is most effective.
A disced, ploughed or harrowed break is also sufficient.
Roads, tracks, rocky and sandy areas devoid of vegetation are sufficient.
4. Burn areas containing large trees or remnant vegetation considerations
Consult DEW website (www.environment.sa.gov.au) for protection information.
Put in appropriate fuel breaks as directed.
5. Always Monitor the Burn
Open gates into adjacent paddocks.
Be vigilant for spot fires and extinguish as they occur.
Be aware that fire intensity varies depending on what is being burnt.
6. Always Monitor the Weather Conditions
Measure weather conditions at the burn site 2 hourly during the burn.
Keep abreast of unfavourable changes in average wind speed.
Cease lighting and make every effort to secure the perimeter if wind speed exceeds 19km/h
(measured at 10 metres) 15km/h (measured at 2 metres) or combinations that exceed GFDI
20.
7. Plan for Farm Fire Unit(s) to be available during and after the burn.
Well maintained and fully operational.
Conform to the Private Farm Fire Unit Handbook requirements.
Activate amber rotating beacon during the burn operation.
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COORDINATION COMMITTEE
8. Ensure personal safety equipment is adequate, present at the burn site and includes:
First aid kit – fully equipped for burns.
Plenty of drinking water.
Protective clothing, sturdy work boots, gloves, helmet, goggles, P2 rated dust masks
9. Notify the following 2 – 24 hours prior to conducting the burn:
Neighbouring landholders and occupiers
10. Ensure mobile phone and/or UHF CB radio are present and working at the burn site.
Mobile phone is fully charged and operational at the burn site.
Responsible adult at the other end of UHF CB radio.
11. Be aware of smoke production and wind direction and make sure:
Fuel moisture has decreased sufficiently
Large amounts of green fuel are not present.
Wind direction is such that sensitive sites nearby such as townships or unharvested vineyards
will not be impacted.
Correct signage is used if smoke will impact a main road.
12STATE BUSHFIRE
COORDINATION COMMITTEE
BURN PLAN CHECKLIST – SAFE LIGHTING AND BURNING
1. Articulate a Burn Plan and communicate it those people who will be attending.
Area and type of stubble to be burnt.
Stubble composition – whole paddock, windrow, stubble dump.
Stubble height and expected fire behaviour.
Fuel load and expected fire behaviour.
Appropriate and safe lighting device – commercially constructed drip torch recommended.
Burn method.
Role(s) of extra responsible person(s) in the operation.
Contingency plans.
2. Whole Paddock Burn Method
Establish a protective burn break 10 – 20m on leeward side of burn area.
Light 10 – 20m up flanks from leeward edge.
Light from the windward edge.
DO NOT burn any more than what the available resources can control.
Ensure fully extinguished prior to leaving the site.
3. Windrow Burn Method
Consider fuel type, fuel load and composition and choose appropriate weather conditions.
Establish a protective burn break by burning the outside 2 laps of the paddock first.
Take care to contain fire to the windrows.
Light remaining windrows every 200m under a light cross wind.
DO NOT burn any more than what the available resources can control.
Ensure fully extinguished prior to leaving site.
4. Stubble Dump Burn Method
Maximum size of pile – 0.5m high and 1.5m diameter.
Establish a 20m burn or cleared area around each pile – DO NOT burn the fuel break area if
extra personnel are not present.
DO NOT burn a pile within 25m of a boundary fence.
Light a test pile to see if it will burn consistently and completely.
Spread stubble dump out if incomplete combustion.
DO NOT light more stubble dumps than what the available resources can control.
Ensure fully extinguished prior to leaving the site.
5. Always Monitor the Burn
Open gates into adjacent paddocks.
Be vigilant for spot fires and extinguish as they occur.
Be aware that fire intensity varies depending on what is being burnt.
13STATE BUSHFIRE
COORDINATION COMMITTEE
6. Always Monitor the Weather Conditions
Measure weather conditions at the burn site 2 hourly during the burn.
Keep abreast of unfavourable changes in average wind speed.
Cease lighting and make every effort to secure the perimeter if wind speed exceeds 19km/h
(measured at 10 metres) or exceeds 15km/h (measured at 2 metres) or combinations that
exceed GFDI 20.
7. When the burn is complete make sure
Whole Paddock Burn – no active fire in burn area for 20m.
Windrow Burn – all active fire extinguished.
Stubble Dump Burn – spread out pile and then extinguish completely.
All fire must be completely extinguished by midnight if Total Fire Ban declared for the
following day.
8. Regularly patrol the burn area for days following the burn.
Especially on the day of a Total Fire Ban.
Prevent rekindling of stubble dumps and/or windrows.
Remember, if you plan to light a broadacre burn it is your responsibility to ensure that it is
adequately resourced, conducted and contained within the burn area.
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