Preparation the key as bush fire season begins
Date published: 2 August 2016
Townsville City Council is urging residents to dispose of their green waste responsibly with the official start of the bushfire season this week.
Council is working with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to urge residents to reduce the risk of bushfire by cleaning up around their properties in the coming weeks.
Councillor and former firefighter Cr Kurt Rehbein said it was never too early to start preparations.
“Whether you live in the city or in the suburbs, or even in rural areas, surviving bushfires is all about preparation,” Cr Rehbein said.
“While council is working with other agencies to identify at risk areas and undertake mitigation activities such as installing fire breaks or conducting hazard reduction burns, everyone can play a part in reducing the hazards.”
Cr Rehbein said residents should clear space around their home, fill any gaps in the eaves, around windows and door frames, protect any large under-deck areas with non-flammable screens and ensure fire hazards around the house were removed.
“In the garden, we advise you clear and remove undergrowth, rake up bark, leaves and twigs and ensure your property has cleared access for fire trucks,” he said.
“These simple actions can make a difference to whether your property survives a bushfire safely, or sustains significant damage.”
Cr Rehbein said priority locations for this fire season included Cungulla, Rangewood, Mt.Stuart, Rupertswood, Castle Hill, and Wulguru.
RFS Area Director Michael Thomson said residents dumping green waste over their back fence increased bushfire risk for themselves and their neighbours.
“If a fire breaks out, our firefighters may have difficulty protecting your home if there are large quantities of green waste concentrated along your back fence line,” Mr Thomson said.
“Do the right thing. Ensure you have a fire break around your home and always dump palm fronds, grass clippings, tree trimmings and weeds appropriately.
“Your bushfire preparations should also include a bushfire survival plan, which details how you will prepare and what action you will take, if threatened by a bushfire.
“Visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au and complete your bushfire survival plan today.”
