Prepare, act and survive is the message that Jimboomba firefighters are promoting this fire season, with high fuel loads in the Birnam Range being the focus of an educational afternoon.
More than 50 people joined in the bushfire awareness seminar on September 16 at Jimboomba.
Jimboomba fire station captain Bernie Savage said the campaign was not designed to scare residents but to make them aware of the conditions.
“This year, the fuel loads have increased from about seven tonnes per hectare to more than 24 tonnes,” he said.
- Read more: Fire safety tips
- Read more: Check safety systems after floods
- Read more: Shed destroyed by blaze
“This means we have a very high fuel load, as anything over seven with wind added can cause an uncontrollable fire.”
Mr Savage said he wanted people to be prepared in case a fire occurred.
“Your things are replaceable, but you are not,” he said.
“Things you can do include having working smoke alarms, creating a fire break around your home and property, cleaning up your yard and gutters, not having loose mulch in your garden.
“We also recommend you look at your driveway and assess whether a fire truck will be able to get in and be able to turn around.”
Mr Savage said residents should also have a planned evacuation route and a documents box packed with insurance papers, passports and other valuable items.
For more information visit Jimboomba Fire Station on any Saturday from 8am until 12noon.
