ANSTO has well established procedures for dealing with threats from bush fires. This includes fire breaks and over 100 high-pressure hydrants located at strategic areas within and around the site.
Although there is no immediate threat to its research establishment, ANSTO has been advised that back-burning along New Illawarra Road may be required to be undertaken today, however this is subject to prevailing winds and other considerations.
At no point during current or past bushfires has there been any direct threat to the HIFAR reactor – indeed HIFAR’s strong containment building is designed to withstand greater heat loadings than could be achieved by a bushfire.
Subject to this back-burning, and as a prudent measure to address possible road closures in the area and to assist emergency services, non-essential ANSTO staff may be asked to leave the site throughout the afternoon. ANSTO staff trained in bush fire fighting have been placed on stand-by to assist as required.
Published: 06/12/2002