REDLANDS Coast residents are being urged to prepare their homes and properties for bushfire season as the Redland City Council steps up planned burns, slashing and firebreak works across the mainland and islands.
Acting Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Acting Chair Julie Talty said Council’s fire management team was working through a schedule of controlled burns to reduce fuel loads before conditions worsen.
The work is being carried out with the Queensland Fire Department and neighbouring land management authorities.
“The slashing and planned burns make a significant difference to the volume of forest litter, such as dead branches and leaves and grasses, which act as a fuel source during bushfires,” Cr Talty said.
“Not only do the burns reduce fire danger, but they make it easier to access areas to fight bushfires.
“Council would like to remind residents that the cooler months provide an ideal opportunity to consider being bushfire prepared and to take actions to ensure the safety of your household and property.”
Residents are encouraged to mow regularly, clear leaves from gutters and roofs, remove excess vegetation and stored combustible materials, and avoid piling flammable material against homes, sheds and fences.
Low-hanging branches surrounding homes should be trimmed to at least two metres from the ground, while grassland and bushland areas should be checked for dry leaves, bark, twigs and cured grass that could rapidly feed a fire.
Council said even a one-centimetre layer of fuel on the ground could carry a mild fire, while fuel loads of about six centimetres presented a significant risk.
Information on preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters is available through Council’s disasters and emergencies page on its website.
Bushfire preparedness advice is also available from Queensland Fire Department. Residents can subscribe to Council’s free Redlands Coast Alerts emergency messaging service through the Redlands Coast Disaster Dashboard
