Bushfire risk high in the dry

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is urging south-west residents to prepare their properties as unseasonably dry conditions increase bushfire risk.

Rural Fire Service (RFS) Acting Regional Manager Tim Chittenden said with little rainfall and cooler temperatures, crews had already seen significant bushfires in the region.

“It is unseasonably dry, particularly in the Warwick and Stanthorpe areas, and we have already experienced significant bushfires in Ellangowan, Cottonvale and Dalveen,” Mr Chittenden said.

“QFES is undertaking a number of bushfire mitigation initiatives and we are working with partner agencies to determine priority areas.

“Now is the time for residents to prepare their properties as bushfire mitigation is a community effort – if you own the fuel, you own the fire.”

Mr Chittenden said residents should remove bushfire risks on their land by clearing gutters, mowing lawns and trimming overhanging branches.

“Residents can put in fire breaks, create a fire management plan and move flammable items away from their home such as boxes, crates and woodpiles,” he said.

“If residents wish to conduct hazard reduction burns on their land greater than two metres by two metres, they should contact their local fire warden for a Permit to Light Fire.

“Keep your neighbours in the loop when conducting fire mitigation so they can take steps to reduce the impact on them.

“Keeping everyone informed also reduces the likelihood of unwanted Triple Zero (000) calls, which allows QFES to allocate resources where they are needed most.”

For more information about bushfire preparedness and permits visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.