September 2, 2015
Firefighters are urging South Burnett residents to become familiar with the Fire Danger Rating system as the weather warms and bushfire season starts to pick up.
Rural Fire Service Queensland North Coast Regional Manager Peter Hollier said it was important for everyone to understand what each level of fire danger meant.
“The Fire Danger Rating or FDR is an assessment of the potential fire behaviour, the ability to suppress fire quickly and the potential for impact on the community should a bushfire occur on any given day,” Mr Hollier said.
“There are six levels of FDR, ranging from ‘low-moderate’ to ‘catastrophic’ which take into account forecast temperatures, humidity, wind speed and dryness of vegetation.
“We use the FDR system to ensure members of the public are aware of daily fire conditions and the level of action required should a bushfire occur in your area.”
Mr Hollier said the FDR system indicated to residents the true risk of staying and defending a home, particularly on days with heightened fire conditions.
“A ‘low-moderate’ or ‘high’ fire danger rating means that a bushfire could be easily controlled and pose little or limited risk to life or property,” he said.
“Fires that occur during a ‘very high’ fire danger are starting to move quickly and are often hard to contain or suppress. Lives and homes may be threatened.
“A fire that occurs during ‘severe’ or ‘extreme’ fire weather conditions could be unpredictable and fast moving, with the potential for people to be injured and homes destroyed.
“In ‘catastrophic’ weather conditions, fires would be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. The potential for loss of property and life would be high during these conditions.
“The message for all fire danger categories, especially on the upper end of the scale, is that leaving early is the safest option.”
Mr Hollier said it was important for residents living or travelling in an area of high bushfire risk to keep a close eye on FDR signs which are situated beside many main roads.
“FDR signs are the same format across Queensland, providing locals and travellers with a quick snap shot of what the bushfire danger rating is and how vigilant they should be,” Mr Hollier said.
“People should stay updated on weather conditions throughout bushfire season and have a Bushfire Survival Plan in place.”
