Brigade calls for preparedness
The Killcare-Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade call on residents to "prepare, act and survive" this coming bush fire season.
"If we have ever needed a more appropriate time to get our message out, it is now," brigade captain Mr Steve Farrell said.
"Your life is the first priority during bush fires.
Prepare well, act decisively and survive.
"Over the coming weeks, you will hear and see more information on the new Fire Danger Rating signs which will be installed around our area.
"The Fire Danger Rating is an early indicator of potential danger and should act as your first trigger for action.
"The rating is an assessment of the potential fire behaviour, the difficulty of suppressing a fire, and the potential impact on our community should a bush fire occur.
"The rating is determined by the Fire Danger Index."
An index rating of one (low-moderate) means that fire will not burn, or will burn so slowly that it will be easily controlled while and an index in excess of 100 (catastrophic) means that fire will burn so fast and so hot that it is uncontrollable.
"In areas with a fire danger rating of catastrophic, even homes which are specially designed and constructed to withstand a bush fire and are properly prepared, may not be safe during a fire.
"Under these conditions, any fire that starts and takes hold will typically be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving.
"Embers will be blown ahead of the fire, creating spot fires that will move quickly and may threaten your home earlier than the predicted main fire front.
"One of the most important decisions you need to make to protect you and your family is will you leave early or stay and defend a well prepared property?
"Regardless of your decision, preparation is the key to survival."
Mr Farrell said that the RFS Bush Fire Household Assessment Tool would help property owners make an informed decision, together with latest news and updates on major fires and incidents.
"Killcare-Wagstaffe Fire Brigade members are always accessible during their Wednesday night training meetings at the Stanley St station and during the regular fundraising cake stalls held at Hardy's Bay on the first Saturday of each month," Mr Farrell said.
Newsletter, 8 Dec 2009
Allan Wilson, Hardy's Bay Resident's Group