A Busy Bushfire Season for Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade

The Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade have been hard at work, fighting bushfires across the region amidst the heated December season. Comprised of volunteer rural firefighters, the team have been dedicated to extinguishing flames as December saw increased fire danger with the typical summer heat.

The brigade have responded to calls across the region notably fighting fires in Mt Aberdeen, Merinda, Pring Rail Yards, Jochiem Rd and Longford Creek over the last month. It has been a tremendous effort on the part of the volunteers and the Whitsunday region is incredibly grateful for their work. It is important to stay safe during hotter periods and alert authorities of any percieved danger.

Tips To Ensure You Are Bush Fire Aware

It is important to ensure adequate preparation is made to protect you and your home from bushfires. A well-prepared home is easier to defend during a bushfire and helps reduce risks to surrounding properties. Make sure you clear gutters and roofs of leaves, twigs, and debris, consider installing gutter guards, and seal gaps in roofing and cladding.

Enclose areas under decks and floors, maintain pumps, generators, and water systems, and remove flammable items such as woodpiles, mulch, furniture, and hanging baskets from near the home.

Keep lawns mown, trim low branches to two metres, and reduce vegetation along access paths. Clearly display your house number and maintain fire truck access.

Prepare protective clothing, evacuation and first aid kits, review insurance and your Bushfire Survival Plan annually, note your Neighbourhood Safer Place, plan for pets, and develop contingency plans for unexpected situations.

For more information please go to fire.qld.gov.au.

‍

Recent fires taking place in and around Bowen over the last month. Photos sourced

‍