April 27, 2014
Firefighters are urging landowners to prioritise reducing their bushfire risk ahead of the upcoming fire season.
Rural Fire Service Queensland Acting North Coast Regional Manager Gary McCormack has encouraged landholders to become part of “Operation Cool Burn” and contribute to reducing fire risk across the region.
Operation Cool Burn will see Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) along with the Department for Environment and Heritage Protection, Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing, local councils and landholders undertake mitigation activities across the State to reduce fire risk in bushfire-prone areas, ahead of the season.
“Remember: if you own the fuel, you own the fire,” Mr McCormack said.
“Current weather conditions are favourable for hazard reduction activities and we encourage landowners to consider what steps they should be taking to reduce their risk.
“Now is the prime time to get out there, take control of the situation and burn off. If we all do a little ahead of bushfire season, we’ll accomplish a lot.”
Mr McCormack said landholders wanting to light a fire in the open should seek advice from their local Fire Warden, as a permit may be required.
“The Permit to Light a Fire system is enforced by QFES to ensure burns are conducted at an appropriate time of the year, are suitably managed and emergency services are notified,” he said.
“Permits are required at all times for a fire which is bigger than two metres in any direction. They are free and can be obtained from your local Fire Warden.
“They come with clear guidelines on when you can light the fire and what precautions will need to be taken, including the provision of informing neighbours of planned burns. This also reduces the likelihood of unnecessary calls to emergency services.
“Tough penalties apply for people who light fires without a permit.”
To locate your local Fire Warden access the Fire Warden Finder tool on the Rural Fire Service website
