Bushfire - total towns could be lost

Australia has experienced total townships, neighbourhoods and communities being erased by bushfires and so have other parts of the globe. We just need to look to Califorina currently. 

Bushfires attack with embers, direct flame and often house to house ignition with one house burning and chain of house are lost. 

The Bushfire Building Council Australia (BBCA) along with CSIRO and State and Territory Fire Authorities have all developed information and methods to mitigate this occurring. 

The reality is there are many factors to consider and many scenarios at play. 

The building construction and the siting of the building are both critical to consider, however the deck, landscape, garden, equipment in the yard, the fencing – considering the flammability of the materials and their location - all play a part. In the main these are manageable concerns. 

The establishment of an Asset Protection Zone (APZ) and Defendable Space (DS) are very important in being able to manage the 10 metre, 30 metre and beyond areas around and adjacent to a private property. 

These are both larger and more immediate mitigation aspects for a property owner to consider. But regardless of what fire mitigation is in place, we all need a fire safety plan that is discussed and exercised by the owner, occupiers and all members of the family.

Having options that take into account the unpredictability of both fire and human behaviour is important.

Above all, early decision making is critical in being able to stay safe; knowing that an ember or a small fire has the potential to destroy everything it touches is a reality.

Why is this relevant right now?

October 13 is the UN International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, a day designed to remind the world that disaster risk is man-made and and to highlight how at-risk communities are reducing their exposure to disasters.

This is a big topic by any stretch of the imagination. But it’s a good one, and one I’m more than interested in through the work I’m doing, as well as through my involvement in the Emergency Leaders for Climate Change Action and as an Expert Advisory Board member for the Bushfire Building Council of Australia. 

And though it has been raining heavily in Victoria, grass will grow and it’s important, coming out of Spring to as an individual and a family, think about what you can do, what you need help to do and discuss the reality of your situation so you know what the plan is for you and your loved ones.