Maleny Volunteer Group
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Drought brings bush fires to the
Sunshine Coast Hinterland area.

Australia is one of the most bushfire-prone continents on earth.  Fire prevention and protection of your family and assets is your responsibility.   The SunshineCoast Hinterland area generally does not face the problems of drought too often but when it does bush fires can be as devastating for the area.

Bushfire is recognised as a major threat to rural communities, but it is not only rural areas that are at risk - people living in suburban or semi-rural areas such as the Sunshine Coast Hinterland need to take precautions.   These risks increase as more people come to our area and build in the semi-rural areas. (Photo left:-  Even the Sunshine Coast Hinterland can suffer from droughts.)

To minimise the risk to you and your property, there are a few simple measures you can undertake around your property:

• Clear scrub and undergrowth around your property – they are potential fuel for a fire.

• Keep grassed areas well trimmed and watered.

• Clear gutters of leaves and rubbish.

• Store flammable items such as wood-piles, boxes, outdoor furniture and paper well away from the house.

• Make sure a hose and reserve water supply e.g. swimming pool, tank is easily accessibleKnow what do when bushfire approaches.

• By taking steps to protect your property, you can reduce the risk of fire.  Fires are usually started by embers that collect in crevices or blow into scrub or dead leaves on or near the house.

• Often homes burned during bushfires have been abandoned, with many catching fire hours after the main fire front has passed. By staying, you can put out small fires as they start.

• Bushfires move quickly and are unpredictable.  Don’t make a last-minute decision to evacuate.  If you do decide to leave your home, leave early.  Every year we see many communities, including our own threatened by fire – and we need to prepare ourselves now for this year’s bushfire season.

By reducing potential fuel during the cooler months – either through burning off, or cutting back overgrown vegetation, householders can reduce the risk to their property during high fire danger periods.  Good housekeeping reduces the threat to homes, and this includes clearing scrub and undergrowth from around the property, trimming grassed areas right back, keeping them well watered, and making sure gutters are clear of leaves and rubbish.  Be a good neighbour and lend a hand to others who are unable to clear their own land.  Together reduce your fire risks.

Photo Right shows how vulnerable properties even in apparently open areas.   It pays to keep yourproperty clean around the surrounds.

Preventative measures include:

• Clearing scrub and undergrowth around homes - they are potential fuel for a fire;

• Keeping grassed areas well trimmed and watered;

• Clearing firebreaks around homes in rural or rural fringe areas.

Landholders must contact their local fire warden or fire station for a Permit to Light Fire if they want to light an open fire larger than 2 metres.  During periods of fire threat take notice of your local fire fighters as their advice can be not only invaluable but life saving.

They do not ask that you do certain things just for fun.

Cigarette butts thrown on the side of the roadway is one of the biggest starters of grass fires.  These fires can very quickly get out of control and thus threaten houses. Please dispose of cigarette butts correctly and don't pollute the environment..