Bushfire

All local residents are being encouraged to Prepare, Act, Survive this bushfire season.

Prepare yourself

• Bushfire Survival Plan - make sure all family members are familiar with the plan.
• Bushfire Survival Kit prepare the kit and have it stored ready to use.
• Familiarise yourself with Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) sirens.

Prepare your property

• Make sure your property has cleared access for fire trucks
• Cut back overhanging trees
• Rake up leaves, twigs and branches
• Cut grass regularly, keeping it as short as possible
• Clear leaves from your roof, gutters and downpipes
• Do not pile-up wood or store green waste close to your house
• Clear space around buildings
• Keep your garden hose connected and ready to use
• Ensure your garden hose can reach every corner of your property
• Be mindful of the location of your gas cylinders. Make sure pressure valves face away from your house
• Fill in any gaps around windows, door frames and eaves

Prepare to Leave

If you plan to leave - do so early - before a fire reaches your area

• Advise family members, neighbours or other loved ones if you have left
• Listen to ABC 1566AM, 1071AM, 88FM, 89.1FM, 90.7FM, 96.3 for information and advice
• Refer to the Rural Fire Service website for more information about current incidents
• Locate your Bushfire Survival Kit
• Activate your Bushfire Survival Plan and follow it

Declared Fire Danger Period

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service can declare a Fire Danger Period. A Fire Danger Period identifies a time of the year when uncontrolled fires could be potentially very dangerous.

It is important to note that a Fire Danger Period is not a fire ban. A fire ban may still be imposed during a Fire Danger Period.

Fire Bans

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service has the authority to declare a fire ban which restricts the use of fire. When a fire ban is in place:

• the lighting of fires in the declared fire ban areas (usually covers whole local government areas) is prohibited
• all open fires are prohibited
• all Permits to Light Fire issued in the designated area are cancelled
• other special conditions (or exemptions) may be imposed.

You should always check if a Fire Ban has been implemented prior to lighting any fires.

Information about Fire Bans is available at Rural Fire Service website or by contacting 1800 020 440.

Smoke Hazards

Extra care should be taken when driving in areas affected by smoke and or fire.

Check road conditions and listen to local radio stations ABC 1566AM, 1071AM, 88FM, 89.1CFM, 90.7FM, 96.3 for additional information.

Children, the elderly, and people with asthma and other breathing problems may need to take particular care during the bushfire season. Further information available at the Asthma Foundation.