Being Fire Smart This Summer

By Danielle Pope

Being Fire Smart This Summer
With predictions of this summer being the hottest on record, it is important now more than ever to have a fire plan

Extreme fire warnings have been declared in three districts of South Australia, as increasing temperatures and wind speeds of 50km/h pose a risk for fire fighters. The Bureau of Meteorology has listed various warnings for the North West Pastoral, North East Pastoral, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Flinders Mid North, York Peninsula, Riverland and Murraylands districts. Temperatures are set to climb in parts of the state up to 40 degrees. Adelaide is forecast to reach 31 degrees.

The reports follow a week of catastrophic fire warnings in Western Australia, where a low-pressure trough has brought strong gusty northerly winds. “These northerly winds will drag very hot and dry air into the area,” explains BoM’s WA Regional Director Mike Bergin. “This combination of low humidity, very high temperatures and strong winds will lead to the catastrophic fire danger rating.”

Meanwhile in New South Wales, there are several fires that have started, none of which contain any immediate danger at present.

With 2016 already on track to be the hottest year on record, it is integral that people prepare themselves for what looks to be an extensive fire season. “Getting ready for a bush fire is easier than you think,” says the Rural Fire Service of NSW. “By taking 20 minutes with your family to discuss what you’ll do during a fire, you could save their lives, as well as your home.”

How to be Fire Ready:

  1. Discuss an action plan with your family in the event a fire threatens your home
  2. Prepare your house for bushfire season – your local fire station will have tips on how to make your house fire ready
  3. Know the bush fire alert levels – all fires are monitored by your local fire service, and also nationally via the Bureau of Meteorology (See site here)
  4. Keep all the bush fire information numbers – in an emergency it is crucial to stay up to date on conditions in your area.

 

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