Crews remove fire damaged trees along Dyers Pass Rd

Fire and smoke-damaged trees along the edges of Dyers Pass Rd are being removed to ensure they pose no risk to the public when the road re-opens.

Tree removal specialists have been systematically working their way down from the top of Dyers Pass Rd, taking out all the severely and partially fire-damaged trees that are close to the road.

The aim is to create a buffer zone so the road can be safely reopened to motorists and pedestrians.

“The trees are situated on a steep bank and the terrain is particularly challenging. It is highly dangerous work but it needs to be done before we can safely re-open Dyers Pass,’’ said Civil Defence Controller John Mackie.

“The fire has caused large scale, significant damage to a great number of trees. Some have been partially burned and others have had their supporting root systems damaged by fire.

“If we leave them in place there is a risk they will fall and potentially injure someone. That is not a risk we are prepared to take so we are removing any trees within two tree lengths of the road that we think could pose a risk in the immediate and long-term,’’ Mr Mackie said.

Some trees that had been left exposed to prevailing winds because of the damage to the surrounding vegetation were also being removed as there was concern they would not stand up to the changed conditions.

“Our priority is to make this area safe so that we can restore public access,’’ Mr Mackie said.