Prescribed burns (hazard reduction and ecological)

Bushfires are naturally occurring events essential to the long-term health of bushland around Sydney. When bushfires take place, species with fire dependant ecology continue to contribute to the biodiversity unique to Sydney bushland. It is Council's objective to optimise the ecological health of bushland within the context of human and property protection.

Management practices carried out by the Hazard Reduction Team include the removal of fuel sources and preparing both hazard reduction and ecological controlled burns. Burning may be carried out by Council staff; with assistance from New South Wales Fire and Rescue when carrying out larger broad area burns. Restoration projects WCC has implemented using ecological burns includes the Explosives Bushland Reserve, Castle Cove(PDF, 2MB) .

See bushfire history maps tab below.

All residents that live in close proximity to bushfire prone land are responsible for their own property and are prepared in the event of a fire.

For more information on how to plan and prepare in the event of a bushfire visit the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Please remember that for your own safety you should not clear vegetation for firebreaks in Council reserves. It is illegal for anyone other than qualified personnel to carry out work on Council land. Note that it is an offence under s.20 (2A) (Div3) (6E) of the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulations 2002 to undertake a hazard reduction on private property, except in accordance with an approval. To obtain a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate Application Form see the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Community Fire Units are volunteer teams that are trained to defend homes until fire brigades arrive. The following Community Fire Units operate in the WCC area:

• FHP-015 - 140 Greville Street CHATSWOOD WEST
• MHP-005 - 171 Fullers Road CHATSWOOD WEST
• MHP-024 - Avian Crescent LANE COVE
• MHP-035 - 38a Greenfield Avenue MIDDLE COVE
• MHP-053 - 43 Headland Rd CASTLE COVE
• MHP-172 - The Quarterdeck MIDDLE COVE

For more information about the Community Fire Unit program, complete the introduction module on the NSW Fire and Rescue website.

1. Burns map 1994-1999(PDF, 341KB)

2. Burns map 2000-2004(PDF, 344KB)

3. Burns map 2005-2009(PDF, 348KB)

4. Burns map 2010-2014(PDF, 350KB)

5. Burns map 2015-2021(PDF, 352KB)

6. Composite burns map 1994-2021(PDF, 351KB)

7. Composite burns map 1994-2021- Same colour(PDF, 352KB)