Cold fire (Noongar fire type)

In Noongar culture of southwestern Western Australia, "cold fire" refers to a specific type of controlled burn or fire management practice. Unlike intense wildfires, cold fires are low-intensity burns deliberately set and carefully managed to reduce fuel loads, promote biodiversity, and prevent larger, more destructive bushfires.

The term "cold fire" highlights the relatively low temperature and slow spread of the fire. It emphasizes the controlled nature of the burn, contrasting it with the uncontrolled ferocity of a wildfire. This practice is deeply rooted in traditional Noongar land management knowledge and has been used for millennia to shape the landscape and maintain its health.

Cold fires are often conducted during cooler months or under specific weather conditions to ensure they remain manageable. They are used to clear undergrowth, stimulate the germination of native plants, and create a mosaic of different vegetation ages and types, which benefits a wide range of native animals. The knowledge of when, where, and how to implement cold fires is passed down through generations of Noongar people and is considered a vital component of cultural heritage and sustainable land management. The practice represents a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between fire, landscape, and biodiversity.