What to wear
During a bush fire, it can be very hot and there may be sparks or embers flying around. For this reason, it is important to wear personal protective clothing.
Loose fitting clothing made from natural fibres such as pure wool, heavy cotton drill or denim is important to protect you from injury. Synthetic fabrics can melt or burn.
Recommended personal protective clothing includes:
A wide brimmed hat or hard hat
A hat can stop embers from dropping onto your head or down the back of your shirt.
A hat can stop embers from dropping onto your head or down the back of your shirt.
Glasses or goggles
Eye coverings can protect your eyes against any smoke, embers and debris that may be in the air.
Eye coverings can protect your eyes against any smoke, embers and debris that may be in the air.
Gloves
Gloves can protect your hands from radiant heat, embers and debris that may be in the air or on anything you pick up around your yard when protecting your property.
Gloves can protect your hands from radiant heat, embers and debris that may be in the air or on anything you pick up around your yard when protecting your property.
A mask or cloth (non-synthetic)
Covering your nose and mouth, may protect you from inhaling smoke, ash and embers.
Covering your nose and mouth, may protect you from inhaling smoke, ash and embers.
A long-sleeved shirt made from thick cotton or wool is ideal (eg cotton drill work shirt)
A shirt can stop embers from burning your skin and help protect you from radiant heat and debris.
A shirt can stop embers from burning your skin and help protect you from radiant heat and debris.
A pair of heavy cotton pants, such as denim jeans, oil free drill pants or cotton overalls
Long pants can stop embers from burning your skin and help protect you from radiant heat and debris.
Long pants can stop embers from burning your skin and help protect you from radiant heat and debris.
Sturdy leather work boots or shoes along with a pair of woollen or cotton socks
Sturdy leather footwear can stop embers from burning your skin, help protect you from radiant heat and debris.
Sturdy leather footwear can stop embers from burning your skin, help protect you from radiant heat and debris.