The arrival of bush fire season means that it’s time for the Northern Beaches community to put measures in place to protect their homes and themselves against possible catastrophic conditions.
Many people might think that bush fires knock on the doors of others. But it could happen to you. And if it does, and you find yourself in a position where you might lose your home to fire, what would you do? What if your life is in danger?
A panel of local experts on bush fires and climate gathered for the Fire and the Forest forum at Glen Street Theatre on 10 October to advise the community on how best to prepare their homes for the 2023 bush fire season.
Member for Mackellar, Sophie Scamps, hosted the panel, which included Greg Mullins, former Fire and Rescue NSW commissioner, Simon Bradshaw, research director at the Climate Council, and Tim Buckley, climate and energy analyst.
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) says that preparing for a bush fire involves four simple steps: discuss, prepare, know and keep.
Families need to discuss what they will do, get their home ready, know the bushfire alert levels and keep bush fire information and numbers to hand, the RFS advises.
Mr Mullins explained that after three wet summers, there is lots of fuel for fires on the Northern Beaches, and only 26 per cent of hazard reduction burns have been completed.
Left to right: Greg Mullins, Simon Bradshaw, Sophie Scamps and Tim Buckley.
According to the RFS, residents need to mow the grass and remove cuttings. Residents should also remove anything that can burn from around the house, including outdoor furniture, wood piles and mulch. Overhanging trees should be trimmed and gutters cleared as burning embers can set fire to debris. In addition, prepare hoses that can reach all around your home and have a reliable source of water.
Mr Mullins advised the community to speak to their local fire units regarding their specific area and that everyone should download the Fires Near Me app, watch for warnings, and be aware of the fire danger rating. On a catastrophic day, people should know what to do.
For more advice, visit rfs.nsw.gov.au