Indigenous fire practices have been used to quell bushfires for thousands of years, experts say

As Australia's bushfire emergency rages on, discussion over fire authorities' potential use of Indigenous and cultural fire practices has come under the spotlight. Key points: Indigenous leaders say there has been "huge interest" from farmers, landowners and communities wanting to learn about traditional burning Cultural burning generally uses smaller, more controlled flames than hazard reduction burns, and has more applications than just reducing fuel load Experts in the practice say much more investment in training is needed before cultural burning can be adopted in mainstream fire management plans Oliver Costello, from Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation — a leader in the field — said traditional fire practitioners already worked alongside some state fire agencies to conduct burns — but on a "relatively small-scale". He said in the aftermath of this summer's bushfire crisis there had been "huge interest" from farmers, landowners and communities wanting to learn about traditional burning and how it could help. Mr Costello said cultural burning created a "fire-resilient" landscape and helped benefit native wildlife. 'No silver bullet' When it comes to land management and fire management, Mr Lapsley said cultural burning was one of the methods. "