‘Fires inevitable’ this bushfire season

By Ella Bradford

Moreton Bay City Council says it is inevitable that there will be fires close to homes this bushfire season and is urging residents to prepare now.

The east coast of Australia is entering three years of El Niño weather patterns with drier than normal conditions expected.

Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery is urging residents to act now to plan, prepare and survive the upcoming bushfire season.

“Council is busy as ever working with all land managers in our region and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) to execute planned burns that will protect homes and our natural environment,” Mayor Flannery says.

What residents can do

City of Moreton Bay residents are being encouraged to prepare emergency kits, devise a household evacuation plan, and remove high-risk fuel loads around properties.

“But we can only get to so much, so it’s up to every resident in Moreton Bay to make sure they are ready, because it’s inevitable that we will see bushfires close to homes at some point,” Mayor Flannery says.

While bushfire season often runs from September to November in the City of Moreton Bay, it can extend through to March.

Where to find information

Mayor Flannery says there is an abundance of information to help residents.

“Residents can also get real-time weather warnings to their phones by signing up to Council’s Moreton Alert system, so you can respond to changing conditions,” Mayor Flannery says.

“In the event of an emergency, Council’s Disaster Dashboard will have all the key information you’ll need to stay informed, from fire danger ratings and current bushfires to road conditions and power outages, evacuation centres and so much more.”

The Australian Fire Danger Rating System provide a simple way for residents to be informed about fire danger.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) states that an unprepared home is not only at risk itself but may also present an increased danger to neighbours.

Mayor Flannery says council is working to protect the community and wildlife from bushfires but needs residents to do their bit.

“We’ll do everything we can to help protect the community and wildlife, so please make sure you do what you can to protect your families and your homes,” Mayor Flannery says.