As the fire season rolls around again, cows will play a crucial role in protecting Canberra.
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The ACT Parks and Conservation Service has increased the area of land where grazing cattle are used for fire deterrence from 4500ha two years ago, to nearly 7500ha this year.
Senior fire management officer Scott Farquhar said cattle were an effective tool to combat fires.
''They reduce the amount of fuel that's on the ground, and they also change its arrangement so it becomes less flammable,'' he said.
Canberrans on the western and northern edges of the city are likely to see cows closer to their homes and businesses, as cattle are used to target specific locations at risk of fire.
''We're effectively looking at areas where we can provide more strategic grazing - along the roadsides, as well as protecting assets,'' Mr Farquhar said.
Authorities have also been mowing and burning off areas to create fire breaks.
Mr Farquhar said there was an above-average likelihood of grass fires this year, although the forests surrounding Canberra had been damp so the risk of forest fires was lower.
But he said authorities were better prepared than ever for fires, having conducted a record 10 grass burn offs already this year.
Meanwhile, the ACT Government will plant 660 new trees around the city this spring.
Nearly 40 different species, including eucalyptus, oak and ash trees, will be planted along major roads and in the territory's residential areas.