Plan ahead : practical tips for a safer property during bushfire season

Due to the El Niño weather prediction that has caused very little rain and more chances of a hot and dry summer, there is now more than ever an elevated bushfire risk. While no property can ever be fully safeguarded against bushfires, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of fire damage. Here are practical tips for protecting your home, based on expert recommendations.

Understanding the risk of indirect fire damage

Did you know that a majority of homes damaged by bushfires don’t actually face direct contact with flames? Approximately 85% of these homes are affected by embers and low-level fires rather than the main fire front. These embers can ignite flammable materials around your property, putting even homes far from bushland at risk. This makes fire preparation essential for every property, regardless of its proximity to heavily wooded areas.

Remove potential hazards from your garden 

If you use mulch in your garden such as bark, hay or wood chips, be cautious—these materials can quickly become fire hazards if placed too close to your home. Once ignited, organic mulch can be very difficult to put out and may reignite even after the main bushfire has passed, potentially causing additional damage. Opt for non-combustible options, such as gravel, particularly around the home’s perimeter, to minimise fire risk.

Trees offer natural protection, but manage them wisely

Trees can provide natural wind and ember shields and help keep the area around your property from drying out too quickly. Removing trees often encourages dense undergrowth, which increases fire spread rates and leaves your property more exposed to embers and wind-driven flames. However, large overhanging branches or trees that could fall on your home or equipment like water tanks and pumps present a potential danger. Regularly clear away combustible materials, like fallen leaves and bark, that build up under trees close to your home.

Inspect Your Outdoor Spaces for Flammable Materials

Your property may contain items that pose a risk if bushfires are near. Here are common outdoor hazards to check for and address:

• Gas bottles
• Firewood piles
• Outdoor furniture
• Doormats or rugs
• Flammable substances like petrol or farm chemicals stored under verandas or decks
• Wooden fences, retaining walls, and stairs

Dry grass, timber, and untreated wood are particularly susceptible to ember attacks, so consider using fire-resistant alternatives where possible.

Even if you plan to evacuate early, keep your property bushfire ready

Even if you intend to leave your home well in advance of a bushfire, preparing your property remains essential. Fire fuel on your land not only increases your home’s vulnerability but also poses a risk to neighbouring properties. A fire originating from or spreading onto your property could trigger further ignitions, potentially affecting the entire community. Taking steps to reduce fire hazards around your home helps safeguard both your property and those nearby.

No property Is entirely bushfire-proof, but preparation helps

While no property can be fully immune to bushfires, following these practical steps can help reduce some vulnerabilities that fires might exploit. Consider them a part of a broader risk management strategy aimed at enhancing your property’s resilience to bushfires.

Get ready for the bushfire season

Being proactive is key. By addressing potential risks now, you can increase the chances of your home and community withstanding bushfires this season. Start making these changes today to prepare your property for the hotter, drier months ahead.