Out of Control

Glancing over the sea a couple of weeks ago I thought the sky was looking unusually dull over the ocean. 

 Considering that it was a gorgeous day I was surprised.

I was a lot more surprised when I walked out onto the balcony to see the smoke in the east.

Apparently it was a 'controlled' burnoff in Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park just over the border. 

 It looked rather like an out of control burnoff to me!

This is what the Country Fire Service announced:

Subject to suitable weather conditions, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will undertake a prescribed burn at Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park, four kilometres east of Nelson, today (Monday, March 19).

The prescribed burn is due to begin at about 1pm and will conclude at about 10pm.
The burn will treat about 65 hectares of coastal vegetation.
Smoke may be visible from the township of Nelson, the Nelson Road and nearby farms and residences.

The road through the park to the beach and the campground will be closed for the duration of the burn. Signs will be erected at key areas near the burn. Access will be maintained to the ponds for permitted diving and snorkelling.

The purpose of the prescribed burn is to reduce fire fuel loads within the park.

There is conclusive evidence both nationally and internationally that prescribed burning lessens the impact bushfires would otherwise have on assets and the community. DENR fire crews will monitor the fire grounds until the areas are declared safe, with SA Country Fire Service (CFS) crews on standby if required.

Here is what one of the teachers from school whose farm borders the park said: the burnoff was out of control, burned out most of the park, most wildlife would have been extinquished.  The whole area around two cabins that they own and rent out to people wanting an escape to the wilderness stands alone amongst burned scrub - ruining their income for at least 2 years until the bush regenerates.