Queenslanders encouraged to prepare for bushfire season

Firefighters are encouraging Queenslanders to get prepared for bushfire season, particularly in the wake of the Bureau of Meteorology’s Very High Fire Danger ratings for parts of the State today.

The BOM forecasts were for the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast areas.

Following an operational brief on bushfire season preparation by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) this week, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Bill Byrne has urged Queenslanders to act on the advice of QFES and finalise their preparations now.

“QFES has completed its bushfire mitigation program, Operation Cool Burn, for 2016,” Minister Byrne said.

“The statewide activities have been extremely successful in identifying high fire risk areas, allowing QFES and land management agencies to minimise bushfire risk throughout Queensland.

“Despite unfavourable weather conditions, more than 340 bushfire mitigation activities have been completed since April.

“Unseasonal wet weather made hazard reduction burning difficult throughout parts of Queensland, but I’m delighted by the efforts of QFES and land management agencies to achieve this great result.

“Operation Cool Burn included 122 high priority hazard reduction burns to reduce fuel loads in priority areas, as well as community education programs informing Queenslanders of how they can manage their own bushfire risk.

“The focus for QFES has now shifted to the season ahead and how we can best manage and respond to a bushfire. QFES has prepared for the season and now Queenslanders need to do the same.”

Minister Byrne said Queenslanders should start by visiting the Rural Fire Service website, www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au, to develop a Bushfire Survival Plan.

“The Rural Fire Service website also contains valuable information on reducing bushfire threats, the warnings system and a current incidents map where you can stay up to date with all active bushfire incidents across the state,” he said.

“It’s too late to start planning when a bushfire is approaching, so take the time and decide on your plan now.”

QFES Acting Deputy Commissioner Peter Jeffrey said although wet conditions over winter had hampered some planned hazard mitigation operations, QFES had worked closely with land management partners to achieve a great result.

“It was a tremendous, collaborative effort by everyone involved - from partner government agencies, land management groups, to residents and landowners,” Mr Jeffrey said.

“Minimising the impact of bushfires is a community effort. If we all work together and do a little bit ahead of bushfire season, we’ll achieve a lot.

“We’re ready for the season and want all Queenslanders to act now. Make your plans quickly, because fire doesn’t wait for you to be ready.

“Importantly, with Operation Cool Burn activities now complete, all bushfires should be reported by phoning Triple Zero (000).”

For more information about preparing for bushfire season and to prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.

Media contact

Minister Byrne’s office:                                                0400 622 433