Heatwave sparks bushfire preparedness warning

Everyone has a part to play in reducing the risk of bushfires

This week's unseasonably hot weather and fast-moving fires in neighbouring council areas are a timely reminder to Scenic Rim residents to prepare their properties and develop a Bushfire Survival Plan. 

Local Disaster Management Group Chair Cr Stephen Moriarty said the local fire bans now in effect across south east Queensland highlighted the need for extreme caution, particularly in coming days.

"There is no room for complacency and property owners have an important role to play in reducing the risks of bushfires and grassfires in our region," he said.

"Simple steps such as mowing your lawn regularly, trimming overhanging branches, clearing gutters of debris and removing any flammable materials from around your home can all help." 

For our rural landholders, slashing longer grass around homes, sheds and other infrastructure such as fence lines and storage sheds can assist, as can the strategic ploughing of firebreaks to help reduce fire spread on larger country.

Cr Moriarty said bushfire mitigation was a shared responsibility between the Queensland Fire Department, partners including land management agencies and local governments, and landholders. 

Hazard reduction burns have recently carried out in locations across the Scenic Rim to maximise opportunities to reduce fuel loads. 

Cr Moriarty urged Scenic Rim residents to make sure they have a bushfire survival plan in place and that everyone in their household knows what to do in an emergency. 

"If you need to put a plan together, now is the time to head to the Queensland Fire Department website www.fire.qld.gov.au," he said.

"Taking a few minutes now could make all the difference in a fast-moving situation when it becomes difficult to make rational decisions.

"I also encourage you sign up to the online Scenic Rim Regional Council Disaster Dashboard disasterdashboard.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/  which provides vital updates in all emergency events."