Prepare for Bushfire Season and say thanks today

Families from Cooktown to Currumbin will join local rural fire firefighters across the state to celebrate Rural Fire Service Queensland Day (7 June) and mark the start of ‘Bushfire Safety Week’ from 7 to 14 June.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey said all Queenslanders should support hardworking rural Firies who have received record funding under the Queensland Government.

“Our strong plan for rural firefighters will create a brighter future for all regional communities,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Our plan has seen Labor’s low levels of investment transformed into a record $620 million budget in 2014-15.

“We have supported Rural Fire Service Queensland like never before having committed to fully funding brigade trucks, equipment, communications and training. 

“That means families are better protected when potential disaster strikes. 

“This level of support is a win for rural and regional Queensland families who rely on these volunteers in time of need.” 

Queenslanders can undertake three simple steps as part of the first ‘Bushfire Safety Week’.

•          Step one: prepare yourself. Familiarise yourself and your family with the four levels of bushfire warnings.
•          Step two: prepare your family. Organise a Bushfire Survival Plan and practice it
•          Step three: prepare your property. Reduce risk on your property and prepare properly

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Lee Johnson said RFSQ Day activities across the State would give residents an opportunity to meet local firefighters in their area.

“Some brigades will be opening their stations while others will be holding stalls in the community and these events will provide a fantastic opportunity for people to learn how to protect themselves and their properties from bushfire,” Mr Johnson said. 

“With bushfire season quickly approaching, it is vital that people take steps now to ‘Get Ready’ and reduce their bushfire risk.

“Events like RFSQ Day and ‘Bushfire Safety Week’ can help Queenslanders with these preparations. Remember: if we all do a little, we’ll accomplish a lot.” 

To find out what is happening at their local station, they can visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/rfs-day and more information on bushfire preparedness is available at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Fire_Safety_and_You/

[ENDS] 6 June 2014                                     

Media Contact: Andrew Kos 0408 912 821or Callum Stewart 0403 925 703