Tips for Preventing Bushfires

Bushfires, also known as wildfires, are natural phenomena characterized by periodic fires that occur in areas with dense vegetation. While they are particularly prevalent in Australia, they can happen in any region with sufficient vegetation to sustain the fire. Despite being a regular event, bushfires can still pose significant threats, potentially resulting in substantial property damage if left uncontrolled. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the risk of bushfires, there are measures you can take to enhance the safety of your property in the event of a fire outbreak. Through careful planning and proactive steps, you can minimize the likelihood of fires igniting or spreading on your property and within your community.

Maintain short grass and shrubs around your residence. A well-groomed property is better equipped to withstand bushfires compared to one with excessive vegetation. During the bushfire season, typically occurring in spring and summer, regularly mow your grass to prevent it from becoming too tall. Adjust your lawnmower's cutting height to no more than 3 inches (7.6 cm) to ensure the grass remains short enough to minimize fire risks. Additionally, trim trees and shrubs to maintain a neat appearance and reduce their susceptibility to burning.

Manage weed growth in your garden. Regularly inspect your garden for weeds and remove them completely, including their roots, to prevent them from spreading. Consider using herbicides to control weed growth, particularly during fall or late winter to hinder new growth in spring.

Clear vegetation within 60 m (200 ft) of your home. Remove any brush, shrubs, or trees within this perimeter to create a buffer zone against fires. Dispose of all debris properly to minimize fire hazards, and consider using herbicides to prevent regrowth.

Use mulch or pebbles to maintain soil moisture. Apply a layer of mulch or pebbles to your garden beds to retain moisture in the soil, reducing the risk of plants drying out and becoming fuel for fires. Remove any old mulch before adding new layers.

Ensure regular watering of plants. Keep your plants hydrated to prevent them from drying out, making them less susceptible to burning. Adjust watering frequency based on the needs of different plant species and comply with local water usage regulations.

Keep flammable materials away from your home. Store fuel, trash, and plant remnants at least 10–50 feet away from your house to prevent fires from spreading. Regularly remove garbage and consider digging a trench around trash areas for added protection.

Ensure your garden hoses reach all areas. Install hoses long enough to cover your entire property, including sheds. Consider using high-pressure pumps or pressure nozzles for areas beyond hose reach.

Position sheds at least 20 m away from your home. Locate sheds away from your main homesite to reduce fire risks. Adhere to local regulations regarding shed placement.

Create a firebreak around your home. Clear a barren area at least 3 m wide around your property to halt fire spread. Regularly maintain the firebreak by removing new vegetation growth.

Ensure campfires are fully extinguished before leaving them unattended. Campfires can lead to bushfires if not properly managed. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure it's completely extinguished using water or sand.

Avoid lighting fires on windy days. Wind can spread embers and ignite bushfires. It's best to refrain from starting fires when it's windy, especially for planned burns.

Dispose of cigarette butts and matches in water. Extinguish cigarette butts and matches in water to prevent fire risks. Avoid smoking in areas with dry vegetation.

Supervise children around fires and matches. Keep a close watch on children near fires to prevent accidents. Store matches and lighters out of reach of children.

Use fireworks in open areas away from vegetation. Choose large, open spaces with soil or concrete surfaces. Wet grass if using fireworks in grassy areas and keep a bucket of water nearby.

Keep vehicles clear of dry vegetation. Parking cars on dry vegetation can cause fires due to heat. Park vehicles away from tall vegetation to minimize fire risks.

Clean up spills of fuel or chemicals on grass. Chemical spills can worsen fires. If a spill occurs, remove the affected grass and soil, and dispose of them properly.

Install spark arrestors on off-road vehicles and power tools. Sparks from these tools can ignite fires. Use spark arrestors to prevent sparks from escaping.

Support politicians advocating fire safety measures. Political action can help prevent fires. Back politicians promoting fire prevention and safety plans in your area.

• If you reside in a fire-prone zone, consider subscribing to daily fire risk alerts to prepare and respond promptly to any fire outbreaks.

• While it's impossible to completely prevent bushfires, creating an evacuation plan is crucial for ensuring safety. Follow pre-established evacuation routes in your area if necessary.
• Be aware that starting bushfires, even accidentally, can lead to severe penalties such as fines or imprisonment. Exercise caution and prevent fires from escalating.