Being FireWise
Our desire to live close to nature means that many homes are built in areas that are at risk of bush fire. If you live in the bush or near a bush fire prone suburb or town, it is imperative you understand the risks of bush fire and make preparations accordingly.
There are several elements that increase the bush fire risk to our properties and families, and it pays to assess and attempt to reduce these risks well in advance.
You are at more risk if you:
- are close to bushland or areas with significant fuels (bush, scrub, grass etc)
- live in a designated bush fire prone area according to your council’s bush fire prone land map
- live in a area with a history of bush fire
- are on top of a slope, such as a ridge or hill (fire runs quickly upslope)
- have continuous vegetation on, or leading to your property
- have combustible material near your home, such as bushes/shrubs, woodpiles, rubbish or leaves in your gutters
- live on a property with restricted access, making it difficult for you and firefighters to get into and out of your property (e.g. a small driveway and no turning area)
- have little access to water for firefighting - are distant from firefighting services
- haven’t prepared your family, house, property and firefighting equipment.
Bush fire season is a time for everyone to exercise care and caution, and to be aware of bush fire activity in your area. Make sure you watch the weather and monitor the radio for news of a fire’s progress. Being well prepared in advance, knowing what to do when bush fire threatens and understanding safety in a bush fire situation are vitally important in what is a life or death situation.
Being Firewise is about appreciating your bush fire risk and doing something about it. While a variety of factors come together to increase the risk of bush fire in your area, ultimately the safety of you, your family and your home comes down to you.
The Bush Fire Household Assessment Tool can help you work out your current level of risk.
Printer friendly format