Residents Urged to Prepare for Bushfires

Far North Queensland residents are being asked to make preparations for the start of a busy bushfire season.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said a recent risk assessment prepared by Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) for 2007-08 identified high fuel loads and dry vegetation around Cairns, the Tablelands and the Cape York region.

“Conditions in recent years have led to a decline in the number of bushfires in the Far Northern Region, but a longer-than-expected wet season in some parts of the region has led to an increase in vegetation growth and made it difficult to conduct controlled burning,” said Mr Roberts.

“Firefighters are expecting bushfire risk to increase in the coming weeks so I’d urge all residents in and around bushland to start making preparations now.”

QFRS, in cooperation with the Queensland Police Service, recently launched a new bushfire preparedness campaign entitled, Prepare, Stay and Defend or Go Early.

“This policy does not override the power of firefighters or Police to evacuate residents,” Mr Roberts said. “But it does give residents the choice to go early or stay and defend their property, if in the opinion of the Incident Controller, it is well prepared.

“Appropriately prepared and constructed buildings offer protection to people during bushfires, reducing the likelihood of bushfire-related injuries and fatalities, especially those which occur when people are trapped in cars or on foot.

“Most buildings lost in bushfires ignite from small fires caused by sparks and embers which occur immediately before, during, or well after, the passage of the main fire. By extinguishing small initial ignitions, people with appropriate skills and basic resources can save a building that would otherwise be lost in a fire.

“If you do wish to self-evacuate you should decide to do so well in advance of a bushfire. Evacuation at the last minute ahead of a bushfire is the most dangerous option.”

Residents near bushland can prepare their home by:
• Removing, cutting or mowing grass and weeds around sheds, fences and gates;
• Clear overhanging branches from the roof;
• Clean gutters and buy gutter plugs;
• If you have a water system, pump or generator, check they are working;
• Establish a clear buffer zone of least 40 metres around your house;
• Keep hoses at the ready;
• Buy a battery powered radio to listen to bushfire updates;
• Organise full length protective clothing (wool, cotton), including gloves, eye protection, work boots and a broad brimmed hat.

Information is available to householders through the QFRS Bushfire Prepared Communities program by contacting your local fire station, accessing the QFRS website at www.fire.qld.gov.au or the Rural Fire Service website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Lorann Downer 0488 074 302

Brendan Connell 0437 837 976