Queenslanders urged to act early ahead of bushfire season

• Landholders and residents need to start thinking about their risk for bushfire season.
• An abundance of vegetation due to summer storms is expected to increase the risk of grass fires across the western parts of northern and central Queensland.
• QFES is working with partner agencies to optimise cooler conditions for important bushfire mitigation work.

Queenslanders are being urged to prepare now for the upcoming bushfire season, with a wet summer contributing to significant vegetation growth.

Widespread heavy rainfall across large parts of the state has led to increased bushfire fuel loads and with drier than average weather conditions expected in autumn, vegetation is expected to dry out quickly.

Above average temperatures are expected to bring a mid-autumn peak in fire activity in grassland country in the western parts of northern and central Queensland.

Although autumn is not expected to bring significant bushfire activity across the majority of the state, landholders are being urged to start preparing their properties now ahead of Queensland’s bushfire season.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is working with partner agencies to plan hazard reduction burns in the coming weeks, peaking during the winter months.

Residents are reminded that preparing their property does not always require fire to be introduced into the landscape. Other mitigation activities such as clearing vegetation, trimming trees, mowing and removing dead leaves and branches also decrease fire risk.  

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery Nikki Boyd:

“Bushfire mitigation is a year-round process and QFES is actively working with its partner agencies to strategise for the cooler months, ahead of the start of bushfire season in August,” Ms Boyd said.

“We appreciate the fantastic work our Rural Fire Service and dedicated volunteers do in reducing the risk, protecting properties, and keeping our communities safe in times of disaster.

“We need Queensland landholders and residents to start thinking about the risk on their own properties. Getting ready for bushfire season doesn’t always require burning and there’s several simple things you can do to safeguard your home.

“Queenslanders can check the Fire Danger Rating (FDR) for their community at any time on their phone or computer, so they keep up to date and know what actions to take. This rating is updated daily.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Chief Officer Rural Fire Service Queensland, Ben Millington:

“The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is busy undertaking preparation for crucial mitigation work to be completed during the cooler months ahead of bushfire season,” Chief Officer Millington said.

“While we are expecting a normal level of bushfire activity in autumn for most of the state, there is a significant amount of fuel on the ground which will dry out over the coming months.

“The work done by RFS staff and volunteers right across the state never stops and their focus is now on ensuring communities are as ready as possible for the upcoming bushfire season.

ENDS

Media contact: QFES Media – 3635 3310