Gibson Desert Area Council has launched an ambitious Traditional Burning Program, working with senior Aboriginal elders to apply ancient fire management knowledge across 75,000 hectares of desert country, reducing wildfire risk while restoring ecosystem health.
The program represents a return to traditional fire regimes that were practiced for millennia before European settlement, using small-scale, cool burns that promote biodiversity and create a mosaic of vegetation ages that benefit native wildlife and reduce the intensity of any subsequent wildfires.
"Our old people always looked after country with fire. They knew when to burn, where to burn, and how to read the country. This program brings that knowledge back so we can protect our desert and all the animals that live here."
Traditional Fire Knowledge
The program applies sophisticated traditional ecological knowledge:
Burning Techniques
- Patch Burning: Small-scale burns creating habitat diversity
- Seasonal Timing: Burning at optimal times based on plant cycles
- Wind Reading: Using traditional knowledge to predict fire behavior
- Soil Assessment: Reading ground moisture to determine burn readiness
- Wildlife Protection: Burning patterns that protect animal populations
- Plant Knowledge: Understanding fire response of different species
Environmental Outcomes
The burning program delivers measurable conservation benefits:
Wildfire Reduction
60% reduction in uncontrolled wildfire extent
Biodiversity
Increased populations of fire-sensitive species
Carbon Storage
Reduced carbon emissions from intense wildfires
Employment and Training
The program creates meaningful employment opportunities:
- Ranger Positions: 15 fire management specialists employed
- Elder Involvement: Senior knowledge holders guiding burn planning
- Youth Training: Young people learning traditional fire skills
- Certification: Formal qualifications in fire management
Program Statistics
Area Managed: 75,000 hectares annually
Burns Conducted: 120+ individual burns per season
Season: April to July (cool season)
Contact: (08) 9175 8000
Caring for Country with Fire
The Traditional Burning Program demonstrates how ancient knowledge can solve modern environmental challenges. Contact us to learn more.
Contact Fire Management Team
