Cool Fire

Fighting fire with fire

Certification  |  ACCU

Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory is prone to extreme, devastating wildfires that affect the landscape, people, plants and animals. These projects are owned exclusively by Aboriginal people with custodial responsibility for those parts of Arnhem Land under active bushfire management. Local rangers conduct controlled burns early in the dry season to reduce fuel on the ground and establish a mosaic of natural firebreaks, preventing bigger, hotter and uncontrolled wildfires later in the season.

Using both aerial burning (incendiary pellets dropped from helicopters) and ground burning establishes a mosaic of cool burns around the project area.

The projects provide employment and training opportunities for local rangers while supporting Aboriginal people in returning to, remaining on and managing their country. Communities are supported in the preservation and transfer of knowledge, the maintenance of Aboriginal languages and the wellbeing of traditional custodians. Preventing wildfires also reduces the risk of wildlife loss and protects the areas surrounding ancient rock art sites.

The project meets the following Sustainable Development Goals