Bushfires in Australia are intense, fast-moving wildfires that typically occur during the hot, dry summer months, creating catastrophic conditions with extreme heat, thick smoke, and rapidly changing wind directions, posing significant challenges including limited visibility, difficulty breathing, and the potential for property damage and loss of life.
Bushfires in Australia are intense, fast-moving wildfires that typically occur during the hot, dry summer months. These fires can create catastrophic conditions, with extreme heat, thick smoke, and rapidly changing wind directions. The challenges during a bushfire include limited visibility, difficulty breathing, and the potential for property damage and loss of life.
Australia's bushfire season traditionally runs from December to February in the south and from April to September in the northern regions. Tragic events like the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020 have highlighted the increasing severity and frequency of these natural disasters.
In the face of such dangerous conditions, it's important to know what actions to take to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property. Here are the essential things to do during a bushfire in Australia:
Definition: Acting on warnings promptly means responding immediately to official bushfire alerts and evacuation orders issued by emergency services.
Importance: Quick action can save lives. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service emphasises that leaving early is the safest option during a bushfire. Waiting until the last minute to evacuate can be extremely dangerous due to road closures, reduced visibility, and the rapid spread of fire. (Source: NSW Rural Fire Service - www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/bush-fire-survival-plan)
Definition: This involves including your pets in your evacuation plan and ensuring they are transported safely away from the danger zone.
Importance: Pets are part of the family and should not be left behind during an emergency. The RSPCA Australia advises that abandoning pets during a disaster can lead to injury, suffering, and potentially death for the animals. Including pets in your bushfire survival plan ensures their safety and reduces the risk of family members staying behind or returning to a dangerous area to rescue them. (Source: RSPCA Queensland - www.rspcaqld.org.au/what-we-do/disasters-and-alerts/disaster-action-plan)
Definition: Wear appropriate clothing that covers as much of your body as possible, including long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes made of natural fibres.
Importance: Proper clothing can protect you from radiant heat, embers, and flames. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) of Victoria recommends wearing protective clothing as it can prevent serious burns and increase your chances of survival if you're caught in a bushfire. Natural fibres like wool and cotton are preferred as they are less likely to melt or ignite compared to synthetic materials. (Source: Australian Government's Geoscience Australia - https://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/community-safety)
Definition: Storing water in various containers throughout your property, including buckets, bathtubs, and sinks.
Importance: Having a readily available water supply is important during a bushfire. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that stored water can be used to extinguish small spot fires, cool down areas around your home, and provide drinking water if the main water supply is cut off. It's also essential for personal hygiene and keeping pets hydrated. (Source: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services - www.qfes.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfire)
Definition: Closing all doors, windows, and other openings to prevent embers and smoke from entering your house.
Importance: Sealing your home creates a barrier against ember attack, which is a primary cause of house fires during bushfires. The South Australian Country Fire Service emphasises that properly sealing your home can significantly reduce the risk of fire taking hold inside the structure. This action is particularly important if you're sheltering in place or if evacuation routes are blocked. (Source: NSW Rural Fire Service- https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/prepare-your-property)
Definition: Moving flammable items such as curtains, furniture, and other combustible materials away from windows and doors.
Importance: This action reduces the fuel available for a fire inside your home. The Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that removing or relocating flammable items can prevent them from igniting due to radiant heat or embers entering through broken windows. This simple step can significantly decrease the risk of your home catching fire from the inside. (Source: Country Fire Authority (CFA) of Victoria - https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property)
Definition: Switching off the mains supply for gas and electricity in your home.
Importance: Turning off utilities can prevent gas leaks and electrical fires during a bushfire. The Victorian Government's emergency management website, VicEmergency, recommends this action as it reduces the risk of explosions or additional fires caused by damaged utility lines. It also helps protect emergency responders who may need to enter your property. (Source: VicEmergency - https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/prepare/#bushfire/prepare-your-property)
Definition: Listening to local radio stations, checking official emergency services websites, and monitoring emergency apps for up-to-date information and instructions.
Importance: Staying informed is important during a bushfire emergency. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is the official emergency broadcaster and provides real-time updates and emergency warnings. Tuning in to these broadcasts ensures you have the latest information on fire movements, evacuation orders, and safety instructions, which can be life-saving in rapidly changing conditions. (Source: ABC Emergency - https://www.abc.net.au/news/emergency/)
Definition: Staying close to the ground in smoke-filled areas to access cleaner air and better visibility.
Importance: Smoke inhalation is a significant danger during bushfires. The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) advises that smoke and hot gases rise, so staying low helps you breathe less smoke and toxic fumes. This action can prevent disorientation and respiratory distress, increasing your chances of survival in a smoke-filled environment. (Source: AFAC - https://www.afac.com.au/initiative/research)
Definition: Regularly inspecting your property for small fires started by windblown embers, particularly in gutters, on roofs, and under decks.
Importance: Spot fires can quickly develop into larger blazes if left unchecked. The Tasmania Fire Service emphasises the importance of vigilance in detecting and extinguishing these small fires early. By promptly addressing spot fires, you can prevent them from engulfing your entire property and potentially save your home. (Source: Tasmania Fire Service - https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/publications/DVDchecklist_lr.pdf)
The Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020 are considered the worst bushfire season in Australia's recorded history. However, other significant bushfires include:
Bushfires are common in Australia due to the country's hot, dry climate and fire-prone vegetation. The main causes include:
Natural causes:
Human-induced causes:
Australia's unique ecosystem, dominated by eucalyptus trees which contain highly flammable oils, contributes to the frequency and intensity of bushfires. Climate change is also increasing the risk and severity of bushfires by creating longer, hotter dry seasons.
.svg)
