HSC Geography › Human–Environment Interactions › 14.2

# Activity Materials — Bushfire Mitigation Strategies

NSW Stage 6 Geography (2022) · Student worksheet
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this resource may contain names, images or references to people who have died.
Name: Class: Date:

## Activity 1 · Why target fuel?

Applying understanding · ~8 min
Answer in full sentences.

Of the “big three” (fuel, weather, topography), which can humans actually change — and why does that make it the focus of mitigation?

## Activity 2 · Compare the methods

Evaluating strategies · ~15 min
Give one strength and one limit for each hazard-reduction method.

Method | Strength | Limit
--- | --- | ---
Prescribed (hazard-reduction) burning |  |
Mechanical clearing |  |
Thinning / selective logging |  |
Chemical control |  |

## Activity 3 · Cultural burning

Respectful inquiry · ~15 min (endorsed sources)
Using the endorsed sources below, answer respectfully and cite your source.

1. How is cultural burning different from a single broad hazard-reduction burn?
2. Give one benefit of cultural burning for Country.

Endorsed sources (use these): AIATSIS · NITV · ABC Education

## Activity 4 · Fire danger ratings

Reading a warning system · ~10 min
Match each rating to its recommended action.

Rating | Recommended action
--- | ---
Moderate |
High |
Extreme |
Catastrophic |

Why is leaving early the only safe option at Catastrophic?

## Activity 5 · Design a defensible space

Applying understanding · ~15 min
Sketch a home in the box and label at least five measures that reduce bushfire risk.

## Activity 6 · Extended-response plan

Communicating geographical understanding · ~15 min
Plan (dot points only).

Question: “Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies used to mitigate the bushfire hazard.”

Paragraph | Content (dot points)
--- | ---
Introduction |
Hazard reduction (methods + limits) |
Cultural burning & warnings |
Property & community (defensible space) |
Conclusion / judgement |

Concept: environment Concept: sustainability Concept: interconnection

Rose Bay Secondary College · HSC Geography · Human–Environment Interactions — Activities (14.2) · NESA Stage 6 (2022) · HSC 2026
Aligned to the NESA Geography Stage 6 Syllabus (2022); First Nations content handled per cultural protocols; model answers in the teacher lesson plan.