Staying safe during bush fire season

Road closures

To see what impact the bushfires may have on roads in QLD, visit qldtraffic.qld.gov.au

If you plan to travel, you can assess affected areas before making any transport plans by visiting ruralfire.qld.gov.au

Bushfire safety

Bushfires are upon us and with so many people affected, and very little rain forecast until next year, this season is shaping up to be one of the worst on record. Dry conditions are seeing firefighters battle blazes in areas that don’t normally burn, so it’s essential that all of us review the steps to take in case of fire.

If you are in a bushfire affected area:

1.  Stay tuned to the radio or follow the Queensland Fire and Emergency service on twitter for updates on fire in your area, including any calls to evacuate.
2. Make a decision early about whether you will stay or leave:
   1. If you plan to leave early, check the QLD traffic website to plan travel around any road closures and click here for advice on how to prepare your property against fire while you are gone.
   2. If you plan to stay, get advice on how to prepare for approaching fire and protect your property.

Preparing your property for bushfire

While not all of us are affected by the current fires, all of us need to prepare for bushfire season. An unprepared property is not only at risk itself, but an increased danger for your neighbours:

1. Start preparing your property against the threat of bushfire now. Visit the Rural Fire Service for a guide on what to do including removing excess fuel on the ground in your roofing, checking generators and water systems, preparing first aid kits and more.
2. Visit the Rural Fire Service Bushfire Survival Plan page for easy step-by-step instructions to create your bushfire survival plan if you don’t already have one. Fire conditions can change dramatically in a very short time so it’s essential that you plan out what you will do if you suddenly need to leave or choose to stay and fight.
3. Make sure you have appropriate insurance on your home and vehicles.
4. Make sure your property is easily accessible and visible to fire trucks.
5. Check to see if you have a Neighbourhood Safer Place where you can seek refuge from bushfire as a measure of last resort.