NOTES ON THE SUPPRESSON OF BUSHFIRES FROM AIRCRAFT

The paper presents a review of pole utilization in Australia. Commercial pressure treatment of poles commenced in 1987.

The service life of poles based on their natural durability is discussed, together with a brief consideration of the advantages of wooden poles compared with those of other materials. Attention is drawn to the change in specifications resulting from the rising demand for pole timber suitable for preservation, and to the importance of knots in Pinus species, in relation to impregnation and strength.

An outline is given of present pole preservation treatment in Australia and current problems are briefly discussed—splitting of certain species, slow drying and the possibility of developing artificial seasoning, low retention of preservatives and variations in absorption between poles in a charge in hardwoods and fungal attack, strength, and knots in softwoods.

The paper is designed to provide Australian foresters with an outline cf aspects of pole utilization which require to be taken into consideration for forest management.