By Jeremy Cook
Authorities have urged landholders to act early ahead of bushfire season following significant vegetation growth over summer.
Acting chief officer for Queensland’s Rural Fire Service Ben Millington said firies were busy planning “crucial” bushfire mitigation work for the cooler months ahead of an expected mid-autumn peak in fire activity.
The preparations follow widespread heavy rainfall recorded across Queensland. In the Southern Downs, rainfall totals of more than 400mm were recorded in both Warwick and Stanthorpe across the four months to March, according to the weather bureau.
The resulting grass growth was noted by Warwick’s rural firefighter group officer Alan Payne who said landholders should begin tidying up their properties at some point over the next month.
“March or April is the time to start cleaning up … as soon as the frost covers all the grass,” Mr Payne said.
“We’ve got a lot of grass around the place now, so they need to keep the grass away from the buildings and clean it up.
“Make sure they have breaks around their property and clean the gutters.”
Queensland RFS acting chief officer Millington said firies were mindful of the high fuel loads across the state.
“While we are expecting a normal level of bushfire activity in autumn for most of the state, there is a significant amount of fuel on the ground which will dry out over the coming months,” he said.
“The work done by RFS staff and volunteers right across the state never stops and their focus is now on ensuring communities are as ready as possible for the upcoming bushfire season.”
It is understood QFES have already begun planning hazard reduction burns with its partner agencies over the coming weeks. Landowners have also been asked to start their own preparations.
“We need Queensland landholders and residents to start thinking about the risk on their own properties,” Fire and Disaster Minister Nikki Boyd said.
“Getting ready for bushfire season doesn’t always require burning and there’s several simple things you can do to safeguard your home,” Ms Boyd said.
QFES advice for landowners includes trimming trees, mowing grass, removing flammable material and clearing vegetation from around the home.
Granite Belt Chief fire warden Pedro Curr said landholders should also ensure their driveways are kept clear.
“If they can’t get down the driveway, they can’t get in to save even just a normal house fire,” Mr Curr said.
Mr Payne said landowners wanting to conduct backburning activities should talk to their fire warden who can issue them a permit.
