Firies learning ancient approach
Firefighters are travelling from across the country to learn ancient Aboriginal techniques.
Indigenous rangers in Queensland's gulf country use a combination of traditional burning methods and modern science to stop dangerous bushfires destroying the landscape.
Now, they are sharing that knowledge through the Jigija Indigenous Fire Training Program.
One of the leaders of the course, Terrence Taylor, says the techniques are perfectly suited to the Australian environment, where flora and fauna have evolved to rely on routine burning.
“We know they're going to have fires here. If humans don't do it then Mother Nature will do it herself. It's just being prepared for them,” he said.
Mr Taylor says the system does not use anything that moves fire quickly, such as drip torches or petrol used for traditional backburning, so as to allow animals to escape from danger.
“We can protect ourselves and our properties, but at the end of the day we also need to protect the trees, the animals and everything else that's in it,” he said.
“If we burn a big ring around a whole fire and it all comes together then nothing can escape. It's just like running a net around a heap of fish.”
The program has been run in collaboration with the Queensland Rural Fire Service, and earned a spot on the podium at the state's reconciliation awards.