Prescribed burns (hazard reduction burns)

A prescribed burn is controlled burning mostly done in the cooler months to reduce fuel build up and slow the path of a summer bush fire. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather and site conditions fall within a pre-determined range, also known as a prescription. 

Temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and rainfall are all considered – if it’s too hot, too windy or the bushland is too dry, it can create a high fire danger which means it could be unsafe to conduct the burn. If it’s too moist, the burn won’t be successful.

Prescribed burns are one of a number of tools used to reduce bush fire risk including clearing of asset protection zones adjacent to properties and regular fire trail maintenance.

Planned prescribed burns for 2025/26

Northern Beaches Council works with the Bush Fire Management Committee (BFMC) to develop an annual prescribed burn program. Fire agencies including Fire and Rescue NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service then plan and carry out the strategic prescribed burns.

The burns listed below are those planned by Council and the BFMC that include Council land. Other burns may be planned by the BFMC, fire agencies and land managers but are only listed if they include Council bushland.

Proposed burns - pending weather conditions