Don spoke with John Winter from the NSW Rural Fire Service. They discussed practical measures home owners can take to minimise the threat of bushfires. John stressed the importance of basic property maintenance if you live in a bushfire area – things like keeping the lawn mown and well-watered, clearing rubbish and keeping the gutters clear of leaves.
Preparation
The NSW Rural Fire Service has produced a checklist to help property owners prepare for bushfires and grass fires. The recommendations include:
Clear ground fuels around the house (long, dry grass, dead leaves and branches, thick undergrowth) Keep the gutters clear Ensure roofing is firmly fixed Prepare firebreaks (a well-watered lawn can act as a firebreak) Install screens or shutters and enclose underfloor areas if possible Screen vents into the roof space with fine wire mesh Remove flammable items from around the house (eg. door mats, woodpile, and obvious flammable materials such as paper, boxes, crates, hanging baskets, wooden garden furniture etc) Ember-proof house and sheds Vent LPG gas tanks away from the house Compile emergency phone list and leave near phone Join the Static Water Supply Marking System. (SWS signs are available free from the Rural Fire Service. They tell firefighters that there is a pool, dam or other water source available on your property that can be used for fire fighting)
Other things to consider
John said that a small portable pump, fire fighting hose and access to a dam, water tank or swimming pool provides you with all of the equipment you need to help defend your property. He recommended installing sprinkler systems around the home and on the roof to help moisten down the property and prevent ember attack. John also pointed out that surviving a bushfire is a community issue, not an individual issue. Members of the community should all participate in making their area fire wise, and therefore fire safe.
Further information
SWS signs are free from Rural Fire Brigades. (Systems similar to the SWS and blue hydrant marker systems are in place in all states and territories. For more information contact relevant fire services.)
Portable pumps can be obtained from local rural supply outlets or irrigation suppliers and range in price from $500 – $1000.
The NSW Rural Fire Service bushfire checklist is available on line at:
www.bushfire.nsw.gov.au/communityfiresafety/bushfirechecklist.htm
This page includes advice on preparation, equipment, evacuation and what to do when the fire approaches.
For more information about bushfire safety contact your local Fire Control Centre, your local Fire Brigade, or phone the NSW RFS Information Line (1 800 654 443).
Bushfire contacts
Victoria – Country Fire Association
Web: www.cfa.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9262 8444
SA Country Fire Service
Web: www.cfs.org.au/splash.shtml
Phone: (08) 8463 4200
NSW Rural Fire Service
Web: www.bushfire.nsw.gov.au
Phone: (02) 9684 4411
Northern Territory Emergency Services
Web: www.nt.gov.au/pfes
Phone: (08) 8946 4109
Queensland Fire and Rescue Services
Web: www.fire.qld.gov.au
Phone: (07) 3247 8100
Tasmania Fire Service
Web: www.fire.tas.gov.au
South Phone: (03) 6230 8450
North Phone: (03) 6336 5633
North-West Phone: (03) 6434 6700
ACT Bush Fire Service
Web: www.esb.act.gov.au/bs/bs.htm
Phone: (02) 6207 8603
Western Australia Fire Service
Web: www.fire.wa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 9323 9300