Rural Firefighting News

with Tony Belton

Early Fire Season!

We have been subjected to some incredibly dry, frosty weather in recent months, and the indicators are that we are in for a difficult fire season, and we are now coming into our windy months. The Rural Fire Service has brought forward our Bush Fire Danger period to August 1, instead of October 1. During the Bushfire Danger Season, a permit is required for any fire lit out in the open.

In the period prior to the bush fire danger period, landholders are still responsible for any burning activity including pile burns or broad acre burns. Landholders are required to notify neighbors 24 hours prior. (this ensures that rural brigades are not called out unnecessarily). The landowner must ensure that the fire is contained within there property. Fires must not be left unattended, and the landholder must have the means of extinguishing any outbreaks. Ensure that the fire is completely out before leaving. Check local weather forecasts, and avoid windy dry conditions, and time any burns to suit favorable conditions.

You can be fined for allowing a burn to escape.

Permits don't cost anything, and are easy to apply for through your local brigade, and add another layer of safety through the fire danger period.

It is an opportune time to reduce hazards around your home in the lead up to summer conditions.

• If you haven't already, start mowing/slashing/ brush cutting, around your assets (houses, farm sheds, stables etc). Cut it short and rake the fuel away.
• Reduce the branches and foliage on trees and shrubs that are close to your assets, and clean out your gutters of autumn leaves.
• Make sure under your house is free of any dry loose materials.
• Check your extinguishment measures. (dams, pumps, hose lines and fittings etc)
• Be aware that water is your main extinguishing agent. Do you have enough, or do you need to buy some?

Finally, make sure your access onto your property, is cleared on both sides to allow for fire trucks to easily negotiate, if necessary. (road width +clearance = 6 metres)

I can't emphasise enough, how important it is to ensure that your road or driveway is clear of vegetation, on the sides and overhead. It might be fine for your car, but you must consider that it might be a fire appliance that may need to get in. As an example, these trucks can be the size of a tip truck, or a council garbage truck, so make allowances for this if you expect our help.

Consider also the fact that our appliances have sophisticated radio equipment on board, with external aerials (up to a metre long) on top, so additional allowance needs to be made. (6-metre vertical clearance of overhanging vegetation)

Because communications is so vital to the safety of fire crews, we might be "reluctant" to drive in, if there is risk to our antennas! Allow for passing bays if your driveway is long. Trying to negotiate a passing vehicle, on a long or windy driveway with a fire bearing down, could be life threatening!

Comprehensive information and advice can be found on the Rural Fire Service web site at www.bushfire.nsw.gov.au or contacting your local Fire Control Centre listed in the phone book under Rural Fire Service.