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obviate
avoid or prevent (something undesirable).
Many decades ago scenes like this were often
seen in rural ares as local fire brigades
burnt excess grass along roads to create a firebreak
and prevent the spread or start of grass fires.
As the green lobby gained more power
and less controlled burning has been allowed,
these scenes became less frequent.
What has become more frequent are
uncontrolled wildfires, bushfires and grass fires.
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Fandango’s One Word Challenge: Obviate