In order to protect the collections from bushfire the Gardens in Canberra has developed an integrated fire protection and control strategy involving several elements: maintenance on site of a Rural Fire Service light unit with a team of trained staff; hazard reduction programs (that is, removal of available `fuel' from strategic areas such as boundary fence lines); the installation of a high-pressure, high-volume boundary sprinkler system and standpipes, fire hydrants and hoses throughout the site; and regular fire and evacuation drills.
At Jervis Bay, as in Canberra, the main concern has been the exclusion of fire from the Gardens. It is now apparent, however, that the composition of the natural heath has changed as a result of this practice. Some prescribed burning has been done and has been successful. Gardens staff train and act in liaison with both the National Park staff and the Navy.
In Canberra liaison with the Rural Fire Service, the managers of the Black Mountain Nature Reserve and CSIRO will continue to ensure compatibility of policies and procedures. Fire prevention equipment and systems will be maintained and upgraded as necessary and regular hazard reduction programs will be undertaken. The members of staff operating the Rural Fire Service light unit will be trained in fire behaviour and suppression, and regular fire and evacuation drills will continue to be held.