HEED FIRE MESSAGE AHEAD OF SEASON

CLEARING fuel around homes and preparing a fiveminute bushfire plan are some of the things Tasmanians are urged to do to prepare for bushfire season.

Howrah homeowners Douglas and Rachel Thomson know all too well the importance of bushfire preparedness.

“We’re old enough to remember 1967, Rachel’s grandparents lost a house, not far from where we are,” Mr Thomson said.

“We’re very conscious our major asset is protected.”

The two have been lucky enough to avoid an incident in the 15 years since their home was built.

“Every year we make sure we have slashing done around the house, we keep the bush cleared back as well,” Mrs Thomson said.

“We have fire hoses and a fire pump ... we recognise there may not be the resources to come and help us, we really have to be ready ourselves.”

The two recently formed their bushfire plan for the season, and Mrs Thomson said there were things many might not think of.

“Making sure we consider those in our family that might not live with us – we have my mother who lives not far away from us but also in this bush area,” Mrs Thomson said. Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Dermot Barry said Tasmanians can prepare a bushfire plan using guidelines on the TFS website.

“We know with the rain we’ve had, people are feeling complacent … it won’t be long before summer’s here and we have the risk associated with the fuel,” Mr Barry said.

“It’ll help you when the time comes and you’ve made the decision to leave … what are you going to do with your pets, what numbers do you need, what documents should you take?” Tasmanians are also being urged to prepare their homes. “Clear, if you can, up to 30m around your home, that helps us to get fire trucks in.” “Clear your gutter and clear around the house, trim it, cut it down, whatever you need to do.”

Mr Barry said an average season was expected, which could mean four or five fires burning out of control.

“We don’t know where they could be, they could happen anywhere, there could be lightning strikes, there could be accidents,” he said.

“These are the areas on the peri-urban fringe, with the bushland integrating with the inner suburbs, these areas can be particularly risk-prone.”

Meanwhile, the TFS have also been preparing.

“Our volunteers have been doing pre-season training, they’re ready to go,” Mr Barry said.