April 4, 2014
The State Government is urging landholders to reduce the risk of bushfires by taking part in “Operation Cool Burn”
Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey said Queensland Fire and Emergency Services would be working proactively with landholders.
“The Queensland Government is committed to a safer State and that is why we’re urging people to take action now before the fire season starts,” Mr Dempsey said.
“In addition to mitigation activities, firefighters will help local communities prepare for the upcoming bushfire season by delivering bushfire preparedness information.
“This is a call to action for landholders and residents across Queensland. Operation Cool Burn is a community event we can all be involved in.
“It is essential for Queenslanders to reduce fire risk on their properties. Remember: if you own the fuel, you own the fire.”
Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Lee Johnson said the Operation Cool Burn standing order, which had been distributed to all firefighters around the State, outlined several objectives for crews to work towards before the end of winter.
“Queensland firefighters will identify bushfire-prone areas, prioritise areas to conduct mitigation activities and engage with local landholders to assist them with reducing their risk through activities such as controlled burns,” Commissioner Johnson said.
“Queensland’s bushfire season traditionally begins mid-year so it’s vital that these activities are undertaken now to avoid a disaster later in the year.
“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 2014 fire season.”
