Residents urged to ‘Get Ready’ for the return of bush fires

24th Sep 2024

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is encouraging residents to prepare themselves and their homes for the upcoming bush fire season.
More than 300 Rural Fire Brigades hosted events across the state over the weekend which included firefighting equipment displays, information stands and workshops at various community venues such as shopping centres, local parks and fire stations.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said with a return to hot and dry conditions anticipated this summer, now was the perfect time for residents to prepare for the heightened risk of bush and grass fires.
“We can’t be complacent. After several years of rainfall and flooding the vegetation has grown quickly and that is now drying out with the warmer weather, adding to fire risk,” Minister Dib said.
“Recent research shows that 70 per cent of residents living in bush fire prone areas have some sort of plan for fire emergencies, but alarmingly, less than half have undertaken any preparatory work on their properties.
“Volunteer firefighters are always on hand to discuss simple and cost-effective measures to reduce bush fire risk, such as clearing out gutters, trimming overhanging branches, and completing a Bush Fire Survival Plan.”
Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said volunteers were already hard at work across the state, having responded to more than 1,100 bush and grass fires since the beginning of July.
“While our firefighters are doing everything they can by conducting hazard reduction burns when weather conditions allow, preparation is a shared responsibility,” Commissioner Rogers said.
“Our crews do a great job in very challenging situations but we can’t have a fire truck at every home, so property owners must also take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and communities.
“Have a plan - know when you should leave, what to take and where you can go to. And look out for your family, friends and neighbours – make sure they, too, are ready and have a plan.
“The time to prepare is now, not when a fire is at your doorstep. That’s often too late and could cost the life of a loved one or loss of property.”

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Residents urged to ‘Get Ready’ for the return of bush fires

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