Heatwave sparks bushfire preparedness warnings

Hazard reduction burns are just one way to reduce bushfire risks

This week's unseasonably hot weather was a timely reminder to Scenic Rim residents to prepare their properties and develop a Bushfire Survival Plan for bushfire season.

Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Greg Christensen said three years of La Nina conditions, with prolonged periods of rain encouraging vegetation growth, had set the scene for a dangerous fire season with the El Nino event which was declared this week bringing hot, dry weather.

"This season, grassfires are the biggest risk due to their ability to spread rapidly," he said.

"While QFES considers it unlikely that we will see a repeat of the fire danger levels experienced in 2019, there is no room for complacency and property owners have an important role to play in reducing the risks of bushfires and grassfires in our region.

"Simple steps such as mowing your lawn regularly, trimming overhanging branches and getting rid of flammable materials from around your home can all help."

Mayor Christensen said bushfire mitigation was a shared responsibility between QFES and partners including land management agencies and local governments.

Hazard reduction burns are conducted year-round and were recently carried out in locations across the Scenic Rim to maximise opportunities to reduce fuel loads.

"Hazard reduction burns are just one way to mitigate bushfire risk," Mayor Christensen said.

"Firebreaks, fire trails, targeted grazing of pastureland and mechanical fuel reduction activities are other key ways to reduce the risk of bushfires and improve our community's preparedness for fire season."

Mayor Christensen urged Scenic Rim residents to make sure they have a bushfire survival plan in place and that everyone in their household knows what to do in an emergency.

"A high-risk season does not need to be a high-disaster season if we all play our part," he said.

"If you need to put a plan together, now is the time to head to the QFES website www.qfes.qld.gov.au

"Taking a few minutes now could make all the difference in a fast-moving situation when it becomes difficult to make rational decisions."

Rural Fire Service Area Director Corey Bock encouraged Scenic Rim residents to familiarise themselves with the new Fire Danger Rating system which was introduced across Australia last year and to learn about the actions they should take according to each threat level ranging from moderate to catastrophic.

"QFES is well-equipped to deal with bushfires and their highly skilled and well-trained firefighters are ready to respond, but bushfire preparation is a community effort," Mr Bock said.

Across Queensland, there are some 26,500 Rural Fire Service volunteers who are always ready to welcome new recruits, aged 16 years and over, to their ranks.

"If you are a community-minded person looking for a new challenge or the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people, I encourage you to contact your local Rural Fire Brigade or visit the QFES website for more information," Mr Bock said.