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Could Fire Resistant and Fire Retardant trees be the solution forward for Australia to curb massive and destructive fires like we are experiencing?

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Jean Laval Chue Him Director| Stella Aurorae Accountants Pty Ltd Sydney, Nsw, Australia
I have come across what is called Fire Resistant trees, and Fire Retardant trees. I wonder if by planning the plantation of these trees, we could help decrease the effects of massive and destructive bush fires in Australia.
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Suzi MS United Kingdom
This is something new, never knew such thing exist, thanks for bringing up this topic Jean!
Will check out Andrew’s share, thank you also!
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Sean Conroy Project Manager| Construction Industry Shankill, Dublin, Ireland
As a horticulturalist I would say no, you should absolutely not interfere with the natural vegetation of an area. There would be a huge effect on biodiversity due to the changes that a substitute species managed planted into an ecosystem would bring.

Much of the Australian flora has evolved to rebound quickly from naturally occurring fires which is a method by which plants and trees can rejuvenate. Eucalyptus fruit bodies are evolved to protect the seed during fire and triggered to open after fire.
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1 reply by Suzi MS
Jan 19, 2020 10:21 AM
Suzi MS
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It’s really interesting to read thoughts from the knows like yourself Sean, looks like Jean has put his idea after you... I shall follow this topic in the background... thanks all!
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Jean Laval Chue Him Director| Stella Aurorae Accountants Pty Ltd Sydney, Nsw, Australia
I think we do not need to replace all trees and bushes in Australia.We could plant rings of Fire Resistant trees around inhabited areas. And if these Fire resistant trees need to be grafted to be able to grow in Australia then maybe we could try and graft these with local arieties of trees. Hope to hear your thoughts. Regards.
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Jean Laval Chue Him Director| Stella Aurorae Accountants Pty Ltd Sydney, Nsw, Australia
Jan 17, 2020 2:24 AM
Replying to Joao Sarmento
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I would like to reply with a few more questions:

What is the underlying cause of so many fires in comparison to other years?
Why aren't "traditional" prevention initiatives working anymore?
Can we apply here some measures that have been successfully implemented elsewhere with minimal impact/downstream implications?
Hi Joao there seems there are many different answers around about the whys, but it seems nobody can point exactly what are the unique causes.
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Suzi MS United Kingdom
Jan 17, 2020 11:24 AM
Replying to Eric Simms
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I heard that 24 people were recently arrested for starting fires in Australia, but how much of the current fire damage is attributable to arson wasn't described, unfortunately.
Ditto Eric, heard that too-makes the whole thing looks really really horrible, from the PM declaring ‘why I should come back from holidays as I am not the one holding the hose’-although true in his own right but no one would ever think a wise PM would make that statement to the whole world... felt sorry for the nation! I have relatives there but have grown a distant but still hope they’re ok.
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Suzi MS United Kingdom
Jan 17, 2020 1:51 PM
Replying to Sean Conroy
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As a horticulturalist I would say no, you should absolutely not interfere with the natural vegetation of an area. There would be a huge effect on biodiversity due to the changes that a substitute species managed planted into an ecosystem would bring.

Much of the Australian flora has evolved to rebound quickly from naturally occurring fires which is a method by which plants and trees can rejuvenate. Eucalyptus fruit bodies are evolved to protect the seed during fire and triggered to open after fire.
It’s really interesting to read thoughts from the knows like yourself Sean, looks like Jean has put his idea after you... I shall follow this topic in the background... thanks all!
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Scott Smith Project Manager| Scott Smith PMP LLC Venice, Fl, United States
Worth considering.. subject to impact study as others have noted. Ever better... or at least concurrently: 1. address root cause global warming that's causing climate change; 2. don't build housing amidst fire-prone forests

[I would add, lest somebody misunderstand me.... I have huge sympathy for all affected, including those with homes amidst forests; my suggestions are intended at the government policy level in terms of where building should be permitted]
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Jean Laval Chue Him Director| Stella Aurorae Accountants Pty Ltd Sydney, Nsw, Australia
I do not think all trees and shrubs in Australia should be replaced by Fire resistant or retardant ones, but maybe planting rings of these trees and plants around houses and inhabited areas could help. And grafting these trees with local ones may help these trees grow in Australia. Please let me know your thoughts.
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