Prescribed burns starting today at Jerrabomberra Grasslands and Molonglo River Reserve

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service wishes to advise that, subject to suitable weather and fuel moisture conditions, 2 prescribed burns will start today (Wednesday 2 December 2020) at Jerrabomberra Grasslands and Molonglo River Reserve.

The burn at Jerrabomberra Grasslands is being conducted over multiple small sites up to 6 ha each to reduce exotic grasses, particularly Wild Oats.

The 16 ha ecological burn at Molonglo River Reserve is being conducted to reduce invasive weeds, help our native species and enhance the critically endangered Box-Gum woodland.

Both prescribed burns will start today and may continue through to tomorrow, if required.

See the location map of the burn site.

Experienced ACT Parks and Conservation fire managers will conduct and oversee the burning operation. Every effort is made to conduct burns in weather conditions that will minimise the impact of smoke, but temporary smoke cover is possible and maybe visible across parts of Canberra.

ACT Parks and Conservation will also take appropriate precautions in line with the physical distancing and hygiene requirements that are in place due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

As part of managing the prescribed burn to its conclusion, a buffer zone of up to 20 metres is also created around the complete perimeter of each prescribed burn.

People with asthma, other chronic respiratory and/or chronic cardiac diseases, should not perform vigorous exercise and should stay inside if affected by the smoke. People with asthma in particular should continue their medication and consult their general practitioner if they have any difficulties.

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