Fire season in the Bundaberg Region is well underway, with local Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigades already fighting fires from Doughboy in the region’s west through to Innes Park on the coast.
Calavos Rural Fire Brigade Acting First Officer Darren Nelson said the fire season so far in the region had been very active.
“We are projecting for our fires this season to be quick active grass fires, just with the current fuel loads that we can see in our area,” he said.
Firefighting capabilities in the region have recently been boosted by the arrival of a Black Hawk helicopter and the return of the Large Aerial Tanker (LAT) to Bundaberg.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) North Coast Region Rural Fire Service Regional Manager Craig Magick said, while the fire danger risk is not expected to be as high as that experienced in 2018 or 2019, there was no room for complacency.
“Queensland’s bushfire season commenced at the start of August, and we have already seen increased fire activity in the southern half of Queensland (from Rockhampton south),” he said.
“The prolonged period of wet conditions over the past three years has created a prime environment for vegetation growth across much of the state.
“The combination of drying fuels, forecast below average rainfall and above average temperatures are expected to result in increased fire activity across Queensland this season.
“Now is the time to ensure you have a Bushfire Survival Plan and that everyone in the house understands what you will do should a bushfire occur.”
The key message the RFS have to all members of the community is to be aware and be prepared by ensuring:
- Bushfire Survival Plans are in place.
- Properties are well prepared for the upcoming fire season.
- Always call 000 to report threatening or emergency situations.
The QFES website can help residents to put together a bushfire plan and provide useful information such as what to include in a bushfire evacuation kit, and how to stay up to date with current bushfire warnings.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Disaster Dashboard also provides important information, warnings and updates about emergency situations.
Since the destocking of the Barolin nature reserve and the increased weed and grass build up,have council any plans to reduce the fire hazard to surrounding residents and the caravan park?