FIRE IN THE AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPE

The effects of fires on the Australian landscape are considered with respect to: lands of the urban-wildland interface; timber lands (especially State Forests); rural landscapes; and areas set aside as national parks, reserves and wilderness. The effects of both planned and unplanned fires are described and reviewed in relation to objectives of landscape management. Some fires may be detrimental to the attainment of management objectives ; others may be beneficial. The effects of fires need to be considered in terms of fire intensity, frequency, season of occurrence, and sometimes type (in or above the rooting zone of plants). Through appropriate landscape planning and management the hazards to life and property in the urban-wildland interface can be reduced to very low levels; timber yields of forests may be maximized ; pasture and crop yields of rural lands may be enhanced ; and problems in the management of conservation areas may be defined and resolved. © 1979.