Be Bushfire Prepared
Bushfire is a natural occurrence, and one of nature's most devastating forces.
And more and more people are living in and near bush land,
in semi-rural and urban residential estates on the outskirts of cities and towns, where bushfire is most likely.
If you live in a place where city and bush meet, you need to adjust your lifestyle, to be ready in case bushfire comes your way.
While most full-time farmers are properly prepared against bushfire, city and suburban ways of thinking need to change when the bush is your nearest and biggest neighbour.
Preparing and responding to bushfire is a responsibility shared between Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS), local government, communities and you as an individual property or home occupier.
Working together, the bushfire threat can be significantly reduced.
Fires generate more than just smoke. They generate embers, ash,
burning debris and cinders that can be blown ahead of the fire front.
Research shows that burning embers and sparks are the most frequent cause of buildings catching fire.
Unless you have undertaken preparations well ahead of the bushfire
season, and have the right equipment, your ability to protect your
property is greatly reduced.
But the good news is :
Homes where adequate preparations have been made can survive the initial passage of bushfire.
Homes have a greater chance of survival where people remain to extinguish small fires.
People who are well prepared can shelter in their homes and have an excellent chance of surviving.
Before the fire season
Don't let bushfires catch you and your community by surprise.
There are many things which can be done around the home to prepare for an advancing bushfire. The most important points to consider are:
Reduce the fuel around your home. (Fuel is dried out material that will burn - branches, sticks, twigs, leaves, bark, grass, furniture etc.)
Landscaping
Appropriate landscaping taken in the long term, can reduce the risk of fire damage. A well designed garden can provide a green safety zone around your home.The use of trees and plants in landscaping the property can reduce fire risk by:
decreasing fire intensity,
reducing wind speeds and turbulence,
catching flying embers and sparks, and
shielding from radiant heat.
Vegetation
Slashing of long grass can reduce fuel for fire Smooth-barked trees are less likely to catch. Avoid trees which shed bark in long strands.Trees should be located at a sufficient distance away from the house to make sure that when fully mature, branches do not overhang the eaves of the house, dropping leaves into the gutters. Trees already growing close to the house should be pruned back from the roofline, and regularly checked for regrowth in this direction.All trees and plants will burn if conditions are severe. Good design and maintenance of the property will reduce the risk of loss to fire.More information on using fire resistant plants is available from your local nursery or Council.
Permits to Light Fire
In Queensland, the 'fire season' runs for many months spreading slowly south from the top of the State about mid-year to the southern border by late winter. Statewide fire bans are not common because there can be bushfire in one part of the state and flooding rains in another.In Queensland, a permit to light fire is required at all times for a fire that is going to be bigger than two metres in any direction. Permits are free and are available from your local Fire Warden or Fire Station.Penalties apply to persons committing breaches of the Fire and Rescue Service Act.
Homes where adequate preparations have been made can Survive the initial passage of bushfire.
Homes have a greater chance of survival where people remain to extinguish small fires.
People who are well prepared can shelter in their homes and have an excellent chance of surviving.
Local Contacts:
Qld Fire & Rescue Town Station Ph 41630 557
If unmanned Ring 0417 115 333
Rural Fire Brigade 41630744
or 000 24Hrs
