Is your property at risk?
All Queenslanders need to be prepared for bushfire. You don’t have to live in the bush to be threatened by bushfires, just close enough to be affected by burning material, embers, and smoke.
If you answer yes to any of the questions below you are at a heightened risk of bushfire.
- Do you live within a few kilometres of bushland?
- Does your local area have a history of bushfire?
- Do you have trees and shrubs within 20 metres of your home?
- Do you live along the coast near scrub?
- Do you live on a farm or near paddocks?
Do you live in a bushfire prone area?
Enter your postcode or suburb in the Postcode Checker map to understand the bushfire risk near you.
Is your home at risk?
The risk factors below will help you assess the vulnerability to your home in the event of a bushfire. Consider what changes you could make to your home to reduce your risk.
Regularly check the Fire Danger Rating in your area so you know if any further preparations are required.
Does your home have:
- non-combustible exterior walls
- sealed roof ridge capping
- enclosed eaves
- an enclosed underfloor
- metal screened vents
- non-combustible window trimmings
- non-combustible deck or verandah?
If firefighters need to access your property, does it have:
- access route clear of overhanging trees
- access route clear of overhead powerlines
- unrestricted driveway access (gates can be opened without restriction)
- room for large vehicles to reverse in (Approximately four metres wide)
- turning or passing areas for large vehicles
- heavy vehicle access on cattle grids and bridges
- ywo-wheel drive vehicle access
- an alternative way out for vehicles?
- accessible water supply:
- reticulated water supply
- tank supply suitable for firefighter access-50mm male camlock fitting with shut-off valve
- accessible open water supply such as a dam or pool
- firefighting pump and hose connected to water supply?
If you’re unsure about your level of risk or require assistance, call 13QGOV (13 74 68) to book a Property Advice Visit.
It’s not just fire.
Bushfires can lead to loss of life and cause serious damage to property and infrastructure, but the fire itself is only one part of the danger.
- Fire embers (small pieces of burning bark, leaves and twigs) can be caught in the wind and travel many kilometres from where the bushfire is burning and cause spot fires to start.
- The radiant heat from a large bushfire can be felt more than 100 metres away and can melt or crack objects such as glass windows, allowing embers into buildings and vehicles.
- Radiant heat can also be deadly to people and animals, causing dehydration and even heatstroke.
Toxic fumes and heavy smoke from bushfires can make seeing and breathing difficulty understanding your level of risk, you will be able to make informed decisions that are right for you and your family.
When is fire season in Queensland?
- Fire season in Queensland often begins in July and runs through until October, and can extend through to February. However, bushfires in Queensland can occur at any time.
- These times can vary each year depending on the condition of local bushland, long-term climate conditions, and short-term weather events.
- The impacts of climate change are creating extended fire seasons that include higher temperatures with more frequent hot days, and increased fire danger across the state.
Plan to...
- keep you and your family safe
- make your property resilient
- protect irreplaceable valuables and important documents
- have adequate insurance to minimise losses.