Cold fire (Noongar fire type) facts for kids
Cold fire (which is called karla nyidiny in the Noongar language) is a special type of controlled burn. It is often used by the Noongar Aboriginal people in Western Australia. They use it to clear out thick undergrowth (small plants and bushes) and make it easier to move through the land.
Cold fires are not very hot or intense. This means they do not harm the taller trees or the middle layers of the bush. Being able to move easily through the bush and reach important cultural places is very important for Noongar culture. Cold fires also help new plants grow, especially those that are good food sources. This new growth then attracts animals to these areas. Noongar people also use cold fires to keep large areas of land suitable for animals to graze. They do this by burning small sections in a pattern every two years.
Without these cool, controlled fires, the environment would change a lot. For example, large areas in Tasmania are now covered in very thick scrub because they don't have these types of fires.
What is Cold Fire?
Cold fire is a way of managing the land using fire, but in a very careful way. It's different from big, uncontrolled wildfires. The Noongar people have used this method for thousands of years. They know exactly when and how to light these fires. This knowledge helps keep the land healthy and safe.
How Cold Fire Helps the Land
Cold fires have many benefits for the environment and the Noongar people:
- Clearing Paths: The low-intensity fire clears away dense undergrowth. This makes it easier for people to walk and hunt. It also helps them reach important cultural sites that are special to their traditions.
- Encouraging New Growth: After a cold fire, new plants often grow quickly. These plants are usually very nutritious for animals. This means more animals, like kangaroos, come to these areas, which is good for hunting.
- Preventing Big Bushfires: By regularly burning small amounts of undergrowth, cold fires remove fuel that could cause huge, dangerous bushfires later on. This protects homes, wildlife, and the environment from much hotter and more destructive fires.
- Keeping Habitats Healthy: The Noongar people burn different parts of the land at different times. This creates a "mosaic" pattern of burnt and unburnt areas. This pattern helps many different types of plants and animals thrive. It keeps the ecosystem balanced and strong.
Cold Fire and Nature's Balance
The use of cold fire is a great example of how people can work with nature. It shows how traditional knowledge can help keep the environment healthy. Without these careful burning practices, the land can become overgrown. This makes it harder for some plants and animals to survive. It also increases the risk of very large, uncontrolled fires that can cause a lot of damage.
See also
In Spanish: Agricultura del palo incendiario para niños
