30th April 2026
WIRES invited to collaborate during hazard reduction burn in Sydney
WIRES was recently invited to attend hazard reduction burns led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), with Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) in Sydney. These controlled burns help to reduce the buildup of dry leaves, bark and twigs that can fuel dangerous bushfires, and can also limt the spread of invasive weeds.
Many native animals have evolved alongside fire and often know how to respond during low‑intensity burns. Even so, fire can still displace, stress or injure wildlife. This is where WIRES came in, to work on the ground to identify animals at risk and provide immediate welfare assistance when needed.
The day began with an early morning briefing at the muster point, where teams discussed safety, their duties and the plan for the burn. As operations got underway, our emergency response team worked alongside NPWS staff, monitoring the area and reporting wildlife sightings. During this time, eastern grey kangaroos and water dragons were observed moving safely away from the fire front.
Around midday, the WIRES team were alerted to a ringtail possum sheltering in a nearby garden. WIRES Emergency Responder assessed the possum's condition and quickly determined it was uninjured. The possum was released straight away into a safer area outside the burn zone to minimise its stress.
The day wrapped up at 5pm with no further animals requiring assistance.
WIRES returned to the site the following day to conduct a 'black walk'.
A black walk involves trained rescuers moving slowly through a recently burnt area in a line, spaced approximately 10–15 metres apart, carefully scanning for animals that may have been injured or displaced.
During the walk, the team spotted a koala resting about 10 metres high in an unburnt eucalyptus tree. After confirming the koala was healthy and not showing signs of distress, the team continued their search. The operation concluded at 4pm, with two healthy Eastern grey kangaroos observed on the edge of the burn area.
WIRES sincerely thanks NPWS, Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW RFS for inviting us to take part in this collaboration and commitment to protecting wildlife, alongside fire management practices. Working together ensures that effective hazard reduction and animal welfare must coexist. WIRES remains committed to supporting future operations such as these to ensure native animals are given the care and consideration they need to survive in fire prone landscapes.