Prepare your grove for fire season

By Laura Thomas

The mercury is rising across parts of the country, signalling another hot Australian summer is on its way.

Spring has been warm in the eastern parts of the country already and for many farmers and rural landholders, fire preparedness tasks are now at the top of the to-do list.

Dry, hot conditions and strong wind are the key ingredients for a bushfire and thanks to climate change, dangerous bushfire conditions are becoming more prevalent.

New Australian research has also revealed that bushfire disasters are becoming more frequent, deadly and economically harmful.

For a farmer, fire poses an ongoing threat to both business and way of life – years of hard work and dedication can be destroyed in an instant.

Bushfires and grassfires often spread quickly, so preparation is your best defense.

Fire preparedness is an important part of overall business management planning and includes identifying risks and preparing well ahead of the annual fire danger season.

All rural landholders, farm owners and managers have a crucial role to play in both reducing the risk and stopping the spread of bushfire.

And while the risk can never be eliminated entirely, there are things you can do to reduce the impact.

So what should you be doing to prepare? Here’s a few tips to get you started, but as always, seek expert advice from the fire authority in your state.

• Clean up around the grove: Minimise fuel loads by mowing or slashing long grass. Keep clear space around your property by making sure dry vegetation is removed from around the grove, shedding and infrastructure.
• Get your firefighting gear organised: Keep a farm firefighting unit with a water tank, pump and hoses ready and accessible. Make sure everything is in full working order and ready to go in the case of an emergency.
• Keep water on hand: Make sure you have access to an independent water supply such as a dam, tank or creek.
• Ensure clear access: Keep driveways and property access points clear to enable quick and easy entry for vehicles and fire appliances.
• Review your bushfire management plan: A good fire plan is a key part of your business management. Review your plan and ensure it is up to date. Ensure fuel reduction is conducted regularly throughout the year. Your plan should also include a current farm map, the location of water and firefighting equipment, evacuation routes and agreed refuge points.
• Conduct fire training: Make sure family members or employees are well briefed on your grove fire management plan and are able to locate and operate all firefighting equipment. Carry out on-farm fire training ahead of fire season.
• Compile emergency contacts: Make sure you have a list of relevant emergency contacts compiled and clearly accessible for reference in a hurry.
• Monitor fire danger: Check the fire danger rating for your area regularly during the fire season and plan your grove activities accordingly. It’s never a good idea to use machinery in high fire risk conditions. Always carry fire suppression equipment.
• Talk to your neighbours: Work together to keep properties and lives safe.

Of course the fire authority in your state is always the best place for expert advice and assistance with fire preparedness requirements and legal obligations, strategies and bushfire management plan preparation.

Check out the fire contacts in your state for more information

NSW Rural Fire Service
SA Country Fire Service
VIC Country Fire Authority
WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Tasmania Fire Service
ACT Emergency Services Agency
NT Fire and Rescue Service

Keen to learn more?

Australian olive growers are invited to attend a farm fire preparedness webinar hosted by Agriculture Victoria later this month. The webinar is being held via Zoom on Monday 27 October, from 7pm – 8:15pm AEST. Register now.

Sources:
www.knowledge.aidr.org.au
www.abc.net.au
State fire authorities, as listed above