Most people don’t realise how fast and how unexpectedly a wildfire can kindle. All it takes is one dry season and a strong wind blowing a fire from several kilometres to your doorstep. If your property is in a bush-prone area, don’t plan on waiting until smoke is on the horizon. Plan on preparing instead.
The positive thing about this is that most people can do things to reduce the wildfire risk of their property, and it can often be done without a large budget or massive fundraising efforts. All it takes is the willingness to figure out what things need to be done and the willingness to just do it.
Firewood stacked against your house, lumber furniture on your deck, and even thick climbing plants on your walls can be a fire entrance to your house. The containers and any decaying vegetative structure around your home should be cleared and kept empty.
Embers are the leading cause of burning houses during bushfires. They sometimes land hundreds of meters in front of the fire. They can land in your gutters, in your roof cavities, and in your roof vents. Even one ember might start a structure fire in clogged gutters. Your gutters should be cleaned at least two times a year, and more frequently if your property is adjacent to or surrounded by bush land or gum trees.
Metal gutter guards can be a great solution. They may make things easier for you in the future by reducing the need to clean your gutters. Also, ember mesh can be a great solution for vents and subfloor vents, as they can block the entry of embers. These are a few inexpensive measures, and they can save a lot of time and money to protect your home.
If you are in a remote area, your property might have a water tank, which has a fire fighting water reserve. A static water tank can be fitted with a pump, which can then be used for fighting fires away from the home. Even a small reserve may be all that saves your house, and it may only result in a scorched garden. Your local fire authority should be able to consult with you on your property for recommendations on volumes, as well as the size of the pump, to help you.
Fires can be devastating. They are a significant threat to your home and can be more catastrophic if they occur with little or no warning, especially if they happen in the bush and there is a significant buildup of dry vegetation. A build-up of dry vegetation can increase the amount of bush or shrubbery, and a new shrub or a new bush can easily catch fire.
The best way to protect your home is with a combination of leading bush clearing services, good home construction, and the home being well-designed and well planned.
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Plan Ahead and Get Your Property Assessed
Property evaluations may be free through your local council and fire service. A bushfire risk expert will walk your property and find vulnerabilities that you may not see, such as areas that fire may funnel through gaps in vegetation or spot areas where your home materials may be exposed.
Using bush clearing services as part of your ongoing maintenance plan (not just a one-off tidy-up) keeps your property ready all year. Scheduling clearing just before fire season is recommended.
Write a bushfire action plan. Decide in advance if you plan to stay and defend your home or leave early. Set clear goals and ensure everyone who will be on the property is aware of the plan.
Stay Ready and Stay Informed
Make sure you are signed up for your state’s emergency alerts. Watch for fire danger ratings during summer. If conditions are expected to change, grab your essential documents, medications, and chargers.
Bushfire prep is not meant to be fearful. Instead, it is meant to be a set of options. A solid plan, your property clear, and the necessary contacts will keep you safe when it is needed most!
