Hi Peter
Many thanks for keeping us up to date.
You say 80% of Gluepot is undamaged, implying the rest is damaged. But what
is the natural fire frequency? Are the burnt areas really damaged?
One of the naturalists' moans around here is that the fire frequency has
been reduced by Europeans so we have spectacular - frightening - fires
infrequently, with less biodiversity than might be possible.
In the last month there have been 4 fires in this suburban area with Coast
Tea-tree (mainly out of place) catching fire most and creating fierce crown
fires which may not have gone as deep into the soil as desirable for
regeneration. (Your pictures suggest crowns were not burnt much at Gluepot.)
The Fire Brigade was very efficient and, as expected following their
inspections of fire-breaks etc. a month or so ago, there was little harm to
property (except reserve fences, and none to houses). There will certainly
be some valuable regeneration.
That said the predictions of the effects of climate damage are very worrying
in terms of fires and other effects.
Michael Norris
Bayside SE Melbourne
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