Cool Burn aims to prevent the same situations occurring this year (Photo: Peter Verbakel)
May 17, 2013
The temperature may be cooling but operations are heating up for Queensland’s firefighters with the 2013 bushfire season just around the corner.
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service has released a standing order entitled “Operation Cool Burn” to all staff and volunteers with guidelines aimed at preparing fire-prone areas before bushfire season.
Police and Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey said the standing order outlined objectives for firefighters to work towards before the end of winter.
“Queensland firefighters will be identifying bushfire-prone areas, prioritising areas for mitigation activities, engaging with landholders and assisting them reduce their risk through activities such as controlled burns,” Mr Dempsey said.
“Queensland’s bushfire season traditionally begins around late August so it’s vital these activities are undertaken now to avoid a disaster later in the year.
“Queenslanders need to identify risks and start talking to their families about their bushfire survival plan.”
QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnson said senior staff from across Queensland would be reporting fortnightly through teleconferences to discuss the progress of “Operation Cool Burn”.
“Each region will be reporting on the number of bushfire prone locations identified, the mitigation plans for each of these locations and the percentage of mitigation plans implemented,” Mr Johnson said.
“They will also discuss engagement with local landholders, the number of community members receiving bushfire-preparedness information and internal communication regarding fire-prone areas.
“At the end of this mitigation period we aim to have a substantial reduction in areas at risk of bushfire and communities that are well prepared for the 2013 fire season.”
