New curb on forest burns

Press, 17 March 1977, Page 26

New curb on forest burns

There will be no more broadcast burning in standing flammable State forests in Canterbury until infra-red equipment used to detect “hot spots” has been proved completely reliable, according to the local Conservator of Forests (Mr J. W. Levy).

The decision was a result of one of the main recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the Hanmer forest fire of March last year. However the chairman of the commission had confirmed that the recommendation did not preclude the burning of things like heaped and windrowed material said Mr Levy.

Nor did it rule out broadcast burning of logging slash in isolated stands, or on the margins of forests adjoining farmland or other cleared boundaries, he said.

Fire is still necessary to clear land for replanting in Canterbury, particularly after a windthrow. Once the infra-red hot spot detection equipment is proven, several controlled slash "burns are planned in Eyrewell, Ashley, Balmoral, and Hanmer forests. Only one burn at a time will be done and extra fire crews will be on hand.