.jpg)
Are you prepared for a bush fire?
- seanspencer1
- Nov 2, 2021
- 3 min read
As the weather warms and the winds grow stronger, and the chances of soaking rain seem to pass by, the thought of bush fires and preparing for one, should be on everyone’s mind.
Last year’s & 2019’s catastrophic bush fires in Queensland and New South Wales destroyed thousands of acres of property, homes and livelihoods. Lives were lost, as well as livestock and native animals.
Fire season in Queensland often begins in July and runs through until October, and can extend through to February. However, bushfires in Queensland can occur at any time according to the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).
The questions that we need to ask ourselves are “Is your property at risk?” and “What should we do to prepare?”
Check out the QFES website to see that especially in the Midge Point/Bloomsbury area, we live in an area that could carry a dangerous fire.
As many of us live on acreage and/or have farms, please check out the following list on the QFES website to prepare for bushfires. We will not only protect our home, property and animals but also reduce the risk to surrounding properties. We do not want to increase the danger of an uncontained bushfire for our family or neighbours.
Clearing your Property
When it comes to clearing for a fire break, do you know what are the requirements allowed by the Queensland Department of Resources? Where and how wide are you allowed to clear? Do you need a permit or Development Application?
The Queensland Government’s legislation is not always straightforward or easy to understand. You can undertake certain clearing activities to protect your property from bushfires without getting Approvals or notifying the Department.
You can clear up to a width of 10 metres to establish a fence, road or vehicular track and this includes for a fire management line or firebreak.
You can clear a firebreak to protect buildings and other structures (other than a fence line) to a maximum of 20 metres or a width of up to 1.5 times the height of the tallest vegetation. Be careful with this one!
If you need to clear more than 20 metres, you will need to submit a Development Application to the Queensland Department of Resources. All States of Australia have different legislation so if you are not sure, it is better to check than to receive a hefty fine!
Local Councils also have bushfire management plans that include controlled burns on Council-managed land and nearby State Forests and National Parks. They work closely with the Rural Fire Brigades and the State Government.
Mackay Regional Council has information on its website about controlled burn offs and building guidelines for fire management. On its Emergency Management Dashboard, the Mackay Regional Council has links to fire warnings, bans and restrictions. This is a great resource if you have any queries about any other issues such as weather warnings, road closures and possible evacuation areas.
The QFES bushfire warning system on their website site points to important actions to take and other sources of information during this stressful time to be able to keep yourselves, property, animals and neighbours safe.
When there's a bushfire in your area, it's up to you to take notice, seek information, make decisions, and act. Tune in to local media including radio, official social media feeds and websites:
Don't assume you will receive an official warning as a fire approaches, and don't rely on only one source of information. Make sure to check multiple places to stay up to date.
Making a plan and preparing not only your property, but evacuation kits, emergency contacts, firefighting equipment (if necessary) are all integral parts of your bushfire plan. Don’t leave it until it is too late!
Comments