News
14 April, 2024
Rain doesn’t stop push to prepare for bushfire season
Queenslanders are already being urged to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season, after a wet summer contributed to significant vegetation growth.
A significant amount of rainfall in the Woodford and Kilcoy areas has led to increased vegetation fuel loads which could lead to a greater susceptibility to bushfires, according to Brisbane region’s Rural Fire Service (RFS) Bushfire Mitigation Manager, Shaune Toohey.
Mr Toohey is imploring residents to get on top of their bushfire preparation early.
“While it’s still early days, we’re looking for the community to do their bit to clear excess debris and prepare their property for when things dry out,” he said.
“We’ll start to work with partner agencies to conduct hazard reduction burns in the coming weeks, but there are a lot of things landowners can do themselves to decrease their fire risk such as clearing vegetation, trimming trees, mowing regularly and removing dead leaves and branches.”
Mr Toohey also stressed the importance of a bushfire plan and an emergency kit.
He emphasised putting plans in place before the season kicks off , so that one’s family knew exactly what to do in the event of an emergency.
“Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with water, a portable radio, a torch and a first aid kit and reach out to friends and family so that you’ve always got a few options of where your family can go in the event of a bushfire,” he said.