Post Cool Burn Recovery Survey

Controlled, very low-intensity cool burning provides significant ecological and bushfire mitigation benefits for rural properties. Ecologically, these burns help maintain biodiversity by promoting the regeneration of native vegetation while reducing competition from invasive species. Many Australian plant species, particularly in fire-adapted ecosystems like Dry and Wet Sclerophyll Forests, rely on periodic fire to trigger seed germination and improve soil nutrient cycling. Cool burns also prevent the excessive build-up of leaf litter and dense undergrowth, reducing the risk of high-intensity bushfires that can devastate local flora and fauna.

From a bushfire mitigation perspective, low-intensity burns create a segmented landscape of varied fuel loads, breaking up continuous areas of vegetation and reducing the likelihood of large, uncontrollable fires. By regularly reducing fine fuels such as dry grasses, fallen leaves, and twigs, these burns lower the intensity and reduce the rate of spread of potential fires. Additionally, cool burns preserve soil structure and moisture levels, unlike high-intensity fires, which can lead to erosion and long-term ecosystem degradation.

Implementing cool burning in a well-planned manner ensures rural properties are better protected while enhancing habitat diversity and ecosystem resilience. Working with local fire authorities and ecological experts is essential for achieving both conservation and fire safety outcomes.

Why burn?

Recovery after 18 months

Small pile burn was too hot and damaged the soil, which remains bare earth under the creepers.
It will take many years to fully recover.

VIDEO: Belinda Kenny talks about the floral recovery after a cool burn and how these burns can help the ecology to prosper.