The ACT bushfire season will officially launch 1 November this year, a month later than the traditional start date of 1 October due to recent rains lowering the risk of bushfires.
While the recent rains are of great benefit to the region, The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) has warned that grass growth due to the recent rain could increase the risk of fast-moving grass fires as the summer goes on.
“We anticipate the bushfire risk will remain low throughout November and December. However, when the grass begins to cure over summer this will bring an unwelcome threat of grass fires,” Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said,
“The ESA will be placing several ACT Rural Fire Service vehicles out of their traditional rural sheds and into strategically placed locations around Canberra during high-risk periods.”
ESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan urged homeowners to work with fire agencies and rural land holders by preparing for the fire season, highlighting there is no room for complacency.
“Bush and grass fires can strike at any time and it is vitally important to be prepared”, Commissioner Whelan said.
“We always try to prepare for the worst, that way we are ready for anything.”
ACT Rural Fire Service have been working with rural land holders to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming season by conducting hazard reduction burns and updating farm bushfire plans.
“Farm bushfire plans are vital should we need to access these properties in the case of a fire protection,” Commissioner Whelan said.
“They use this information to understand what assets require immediate protection, the firefighting resources available on the property and the mapping of the property”.
From 1 November rural land holders must obtain a free permit from ACTRFS before conducting hazard reductions, including pile burning.
To apply for a permit call 6207 8609 or send an email request to [email protected].
For information and tips on how you can prepare for this bushfire season, visit ESA.
