Prescribed burn planned at Ngarkat
National Parks and Wildlife SA will be burning off in the conservation park today.
If you see smoke on the eastern horizon today, April 21, fear not - it's likely to be a prescribed burn being conducted at Ngarkat Conservation Park.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service plans to burn about 590 hectares of land in the Day block, on the park's northern boundary, and a neighbouring property.
The burn-off is due to be lit at 12pm and complete by 5pm.
However, it may be cancelled at short notice if conditions make it unsafe to go ahead.
Two other burns have already been carried out at Ngarkat this autumn.
Department of Environment and Water spokesman Brenton Grear said reducing fuel load was a major priority for the state government ahead of the next fire season.
"Reducing fuel loads has been proven to reduce the speed and intensity of bushfire, and this can reduce the risk to lives, homes, assets and the environment," he said.
"Prescribed burning is also important ecologically, to maintain and protect animal habitats and to enhance biodiversity within parks and reserves."
The department plans to burn more than 6500 hectares of land at 32 locations before winter sets in.
- More information: Visit the Department of Environment and Water website or follow @SAEnvirWater on Twitter.
Photo: National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia.
