The planned burn creeping over the hill tops of Magnetic Island has produced more smoke today on the western flanks but appears, on the ground, to be doing what was hoped for by Island rangers.

The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has been monitoring the burn which was on the upper western side since it was lit by rangers on Tuesday 9 June.

DERM Conservation Officer, Jo Petersen, said it was going well.

“The fire is continuing to burn as expected, and it’s currently in the high country away from residential areas,”

“It’s travelling very slowly at a low intensity due to the cool, stable weather conditions.

“The way the fire has progressed has been a good outcome for residents and wildlife.

“It’s covering a considerable area, reducing the fuel on the ground, and will help to reduce the risks of wildfire in the hotter months.

“These cooler fires reduce the fuel on the ground with minimal scorching of the vegetation, and produce a good mosaic pattern of burnt and unburnt land so wildlife have a refuge.

“Rangers are actively monitoring the fire and will undertake further operations if required.

“Crews of rangers are based on Magnetic Island and are conducting regular patrols of the fire. They will keep monitoring and undertake further operations if needed,” Ms Petersen said.