Queensland firefighters spark a shared responsibility across the state

Cooler temperatures across the state are providing the perfect opportunity to start Queensland’s 2018 bushfire mitigation program - Operation Cool Burn.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford – who launched the multi-agency initiative today (Wednesday) with QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll - said it was a “critical opportunity” to help ease the bushfire threat right across the state.

“Bushfire mitigation is a shared responsibility between key agencies and communities, helping to minimise the potential impact of significant fires during the bushfire season,” Mr Crawford said.

“There is no one size fits all approach to mitigation, so activities occur in different parts of the state at different times and range from community engagement events to large-scale hazard reduction burns.

“It’s vital that communities, firefighters and other agencies come together to discuss what their plans are. We want Queenslanders to be ready before, during and after a bushfire event.”

Mr Crawford urged Queenslanders to work together with firefighters to prepare their backyards and create bushfire survival plans.

“All Queenslanders are responsible for ensuring their property is protected from bushfire,” he said.

“Cleaning up around the yard is a simple, yet very effective task. Small tasks such as raking up leaves and clippings, mowing your grass short, or burning piles of flammable fuel, all go a long way.

“Remember – if it’s your property, it’s your fuel.”

Ms Carroll echoed Mr Crawford’s sentiment, saying bushfire prevention was a joint effort between firefighters and communities.

“It’s about Queenslanders sharing the responsibility, from understanding the local fire risk to knowing how to read Fire Danger Ratings and implementing a bushfire survival plan,” Ms Carroll said.

“A bushfire survival plan is a great safety tool that could mean the world of difference to your family, and your property, during a bushfire.

“It doesn’t matter where you live – be it Charleville, Cairns, Goondiwindi or inner city Brisbane – you can be impacted by bushfires.”

Ms Carroll said one of the most effective bushfire mitigation activities was hazard reduction burns.

“Hazard reduction burns are proven to reduce the risk of severe and uncontrolled bushfires taking hold during the bushfire season,” she said.

“They make any resulting bushfires travel more slowly, be less likely to produce embers, have a lower flame height and be less likely to develop into a bushfire where the fire burns on top of the trees.

“By removing the fuel load from the landscape, firefighters are reducing potential bushfire threats, and minimising damage to life, property and the environment.

“It’s important we all take steps to protect the community, maintain biodiversity and assist with vegetation management while the conditions are favourable.”

NOTE: QFES Media has footage of a hazard reduction burn available to provide to media outlets. Please email your request for this footage to media@qfes.qld.gov.au

ENDS

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