Bushfire
Bushfires occur when areas of vegetation ignite and burn through reserves, national parks, private property and urban corridors. Bushfires can cause serious property and infrastructure damage and lead to loss of life. Other impacts from bushfires include:
- Fire embers that can spread many kilometres from the location of a large fire, causing smaller spot fires to break out.
- Radiant heat that can be felt more than 100m away from a large bushfire and has the potential to melt or fracture objects including parts of cars, glass windows etc.
- Toxic fumes and heavy smoke that can impair vision and impact on air quality, creating difficulties in breathing.
What are the local risks?
Check the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) Post Code Checker to find out the bushfire potential in your neighbourhood.
Generally, the fire season is through winter (dry season) and spring months however can vary depending on the condition of local bushland, long-term climate and short-term weather conditions. You do not have to live in the bush to be threatened by bushfire, just close enough to be affected by burning material, embers and smoke.
Bushfires are most likely to occur when the weather is very hot and dry and can start from human activity or natural causes such as lightning strikes. Fires can move extremely fast – faster than you can run. They can also be unpredictable, changing direction.
Bushfire warnings
Everyone should be familiar with the official Bushfire Warning system. When there is a bushfire in your area, it is up to you to take notice, seek information, make decisions and act.
When warnings are given, act immediately on the instructions provided. Do not wait. Leave when advised, even if it feels safe where you are at the time. Take your household emergency kit with you. Go in the direction advised for your location.
The Australian Fire Danger Rating System is used to communicate the level of bushfire risk. The higher the rating the more dangerous the conditons are likely to be.
If lives or property are threatened, Queensland Fire Department (QFD) issues warnings at an Advice, Watch and Act or Emergency Level:
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There is no immediate danger, but you need to stay informed in case the situation changes. |
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Act now to protect yourself and your family. |
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 Emergency is the highest level advising you are in danger. You need to take life-saving action immediately. |
Advice tells you a fire has started and provides general information to keep you updated.
Watch and Act represents a heightened level of threat and conditions are changing.Current fire warnings can be found on the Bundaberg Disaster Dashboard and on the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) website via the red "Bushfires and Warnings" button in the top right corner.
How to prepare
Preparation is the key to survival. A Bushfire Survival Plan will help you prepare and know what action to take if threatened by a bushfire. Based on the Fire Danger Ratings, your plan should be written down and practiced regularly and consider the ages and physical capability of everyone in your household.
QFD Bushfire Safety Guide also provides more information on bushfire risk and how to prepare for bushfire.
- Listen for Warnings and Alerts
- Prepare emergency kit, evacuation kit
- Prepare your home
- Prepare your business
- Prepare your pets
- Get to know your neighbours
What to do during
Due to the unpredictable nature of fast-moving fires, people are likely to be encouraged to evacuate from their homes as quickly as possible to ensure they can reach safety. If you plan to leave early, then you must leave your home well before a bushfire threatens and traveling by road becomes hazardous.
- Stay informed. Tune your battery-operated radio into ABC 100.1 FM
- Listen for warnings and alerts and follow any instructions given.
- Be aware of your shelter and evacuation options.
After the event
- Pay attention to all warnings.
- If evacuated, wait until the all-clear has been given by emergency services before leaving your safe area.
- Check the property for damage. If unsure about the safety of the property, seek advice from local Emergency Services. Do not take any risks.
- Do not go sightseeing.
- Check and offer help to neighbours, friends and family.