Think you’re safe from bushfires just because you can see more concrete than gum trees from your window? Think again.
Redlands Coast residents are being urged to get ready now to ensure they’re as prepared as possible for this year’s bushfire season — because, as recent events have proven, fire doesn’t need a leafy address to cause chaos.
Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Jos Mitchell said the severe bushfire that swept through the top end of Moreton Island on the long weekend earlier this month was a timely reminder not to get complacent.
“Building our resilience against natural disasters needs to start well before an event. It needs to start now,” the Mayor said.
“You should know your risk, prepare an emergency kit and ensure you have a bushfire survival plan in place for your household.
“Simple steps you can take include clearing debris from roofs and gutters, trimming branches that overhang dwellings and removing overgrown vegetation.
“It is also worth noting that the Moreton Island fire impacted approximately 2300 hectares and is believed to have been sparked by a campfire within an active fire ban zone.
“Please check when and where there are fire bans and please respect them.”
The Mayor said it was important to remember that bushfires can happen anywhere and anytime.
“You don’t have to live in bushland to be threatened by bushfires, just close enough to be affected by burning material, embers, and smoke,” she said.
The Queensland Fire Department website advises that the bushfire itself is only part of the danger — the rest comes in smaller, faster, and much hotter packages.
Fire embers (small pieces of burning bark, leaves and twigs) can be caught in the wind and travel many kilometres from where the bushfire is burning and cause spot fires.
The radiant heat from a large bushfire can be felt more than 100m away and can melt or crack objects such as glass windows, allowing embers into buildings and vehicles.
Radiant heat also can be deadly to people and animals, causing dehydration and even heatstroke.
Toxic fumes and heavy smoke from bushfires can make seeing and breathing difficult — so if you’ve been putting off cleaning that air conditioner filter, now’s a good time.
For those who like to know exactly how close they are to trouble, the QFD has an online Postcode Checker map to show the bushfire risk for your property.
