Fire Season- It's Time to Prepare

_{25 August, 2009}

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Extreme weather conditions being experienced in the State’s south-east and south-west are a timely reminder to all Queenslanders of the need to be prepared for fire season.

With the mercury soaring to record temperatures for this time of the year in parts, a total fire ban has been declared until midnight tomorrow (Tuesday August 25) - from the Sunshine Coast down through Brisbane to the Gold Coast and inland to areas including Ipswich, Roma and Charleville.

Member for Whitsunday, Jan Jarratt said it was time households took simple steps to help guard their homes against fire.

“The summer months are just around the corner and we can’t afford to be complacent about the risks,” Ms Jarratt said.

“The devastation of the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria showed us just how destructive and unpredictable fire can be.

“My message to locals is it’s never too early to start getting prepared.”

Preparations should include:

• Clearing rubbish and debris from around the property;
• Clearing gutters;
• Moving flammable items like gas bottles and timber stockpiles well away from the property;
• Having protective clothing ready like long sleeved cotton pants and shirts; and
• Having an action plan for possible relocation in the event of fire.

“The work by Queensland Fire and Rescue Service is world-class and the Bligh Government has invested a record $433 million this year to help support the service,” Ms Jarratt said.

“A further $7.3 million has been committed over four years to better support the important work of our volunteers including in the Queensland Rural Fire Service.”

For more information on how to prepare for fire season and where the fire bans are in place log on to www.fire.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 003.

 
Media contact-
Jan Jarratt
4945 3343
whitsunday@parliament.qld.gov.au

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