The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging North Queensland residents to finalise their property preparations as the bushfire season nears.
Regional Manager of the RFS, Tony Hazell said that while the bushfire season traditionally began in August, residents should not leave their preparations to the last minute.
“North Queensland regularly experiences fire activity earlier than southern parts of the State because we have warm, dry conditions before they do,” Mr Hazell said.
“A number of Rural Fire Brigades have reported that the grass and vegetation around the region is continuing to dry and is becoming increasingly capable of carrying a fire.”
Mr Hazell urged landholders to consider whether their property could benefit from fire mitigation activities.
“At this time of the year, landowners should ensure their Bushfire Management Plans are in place and that any firefighting equipment is in working condition,” he said.
“A good Bushfire Mitigation Plan identifies the location of any existing or proposed firebreaks, as well as any vegetation that should be cleared before the start of the season.”
Mr Hazell said landholders who wished to conduct a hazard reduction burn on their property should ensure they had the appropriate permit.
“Residents who plan on lighting a fire greater than two metres in any direction must apply for a Permit to Light Fire with their Local Fire Warden” he said.
“Ultimately, landholders are responsible for managing the fire hazards on their own properties. However, local rural fire brigades can assist landholders to safely and effectively carry out hazard reduction burns,” Mr Hazell said.
