Thread: A dusty afternoon

Still not good for you with those forecast winds. I have a bit of a dilemma here as I was considering redoing the fire breaks but as we're on rocky ground, a rock strike with the flail is not really a good thing. Our local firies have put out advice that if a mower/slasher/flail is being used then have an observer and fire fighting equipment at the ready.

John,, I'm sure all your previous firebreak efforts are still there,, its still early though..

Originally Posted by Saitch

Still not good for you with those forecast winds. I have a bit of a dilemma here as I was considering redoing the fire breaks but as we're on rocky ground, a rock strike with the flail is not really a good thing. Our local firies have put out advice that if a mower/slasher/flail is being used then have an observer and fire fighting equipment at the ready.

Using a blade, not a flail - ensuring bare earth. I certainly would not use a flail or mower in these conditions. With the drought we have a lot of dead wattles and these have fallen, been pushed by roos, blown across the breaks in a lot of places.

I've just straight(ish) lined from Willow Tree to Tuncurry, via Port Stevens Cutting. Interesting, in a truck, to say the least, but would have been more interestinger on the bike.
What surprised me was how green the vegetation was on top of the bump, it was showering nicely too. No doubt the locals are wondering what drought is causing all the fuss.

I was in the Hunter Valley last week and the Hunter River, upstream, has been pumped down to a trickle and a few water holes. Agriculture needs water!

The Manning's the same Steve, barely enough water to sustain the mozzies.

Originally Posted by JDNSW

Using a blade, not a flail - ensuring bare earth. I certainly would not use a flail or mower in these conditions. With the drought we have a lot of dead wattles and these have fallen, been pushed by roos, blown across the breaks in a lot of places.

The major fire of a couple of weeks ago that threatened Laidley and caused compulsory evacuations is reported to have started in a paddock of dry grass 1.2 metres high. What sort of irresponsible landholder has not slashed and raked this growth before fire season?

Another dusty afternoon - went back over the work I did yesterday, only in the opposite direction. Looked in the mirror when I got home - my beard had changed from grey-white to red. Guess what colour the soil is here! Quick shower restored it.

The fire is still listed as "being controlled", but the mapped outline of it has not changed since last night.