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Fire season starts this weekend

Posted on November 20, 2009, 8:08am

With fire danger season looming, Lower South East emergency service and local government bodies have stressed the increasingly critical “bushfire ready” message to residents, saying the consequences of ignorance would be severe in the event of wildfire.

This Sunday, November 22, marks the official start of the 2009-10 season.

The CFS has reiterated that people in rural areas needed to make the “stay or go” decision well before a blaze began to threaten the area.

Port MacDonnell CFS group officer Garry Talbot said it was imperative residents stood by their decision, as this was the best chance of survival.

“By the time you can see the fire it’s too late to leave; you’ve either got to go first thing, or stay and prepare for the front,” Mr Talbot said.

“Never go back once you’ve left as you could find yourself in the middle of the fire.

“People also need to be aware that keeping grass short, clearing gutters of leaves and cleaning up yard debris can greatly reduce the chance of fire and can help protect the home if one does strike.

“Fuel loads are high and people must be aware of the dangers and prepare themselves accordingly.”

Mr Talbot said he supported the State Government’s recent move to toughen penalties for people who flouted fire laws.

“No penalty is too harsh for putting communities at risk,” he said.

“People must adhere to the rules throughout fire season and on days of total fire ban — they are declared for a reason.”

Anyone caught engaging in irresponsible behaviour that increases the risk or causes an outbreak will now face a $315 fine and possible litigation.

District Council of Grant chief executive Russell Peate said in preparing for the fire danger season, rural and town residents should develop a bushfire action plan alongside preservation work around the property.

“An unprepared property is not only a risk to itself, it could endanger neighbouring properties and lives if it adds to the intensity of a bushfire,” Mr Peate said.

“Anyone who has been burning off in preparation for fire season needs to check for hot spots and ensure the fire is completely extinguished before Sunday.

“Further anticipated dry conditions and possible heavy fuel loadings may result in burning permits not being issued by local councils.”

It is an offence to light or maintain a fire during the danger season without a council permit.

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