Don’t be an arsonist’s wet dream

With temperatures soaring across the country this week – the bushfire season has officially begun and already police have attended to dozens of sites where bushfires have been lit deliberately, further investigating even more. Alarmingly, these figures will only increase as the Summer continues, and emergency services will not be able to cope with every situation. This is why it’s so important for all of us, no matter where you live, to help our emergency volunteers as much as possible – to help our rural communities tackle arson and the devastating impact it has on our lives.

Australians love a holiday, and chances are most of us will enjoy the tranquility of the bush sometime this holiday season. Whether it be in our secluded campground, or New Years drinks at a friends coast house, it’s so important for all of us to be aware of our actions and the actions of those around us. If you see something, please say something. If someone is acting suspiciously in the area, please contact emergency services. If you can, try and note the description of the individual, focusing on their age, gender, height, build, hair colour and other distinguishing features. Also make note of any vehicles nearby and their registration, make, model, colour and any damage to the vehicle. This information could be crucial in an investigation into the fire. Also, if you see a fire burning in the area, don’t hesitate, contact fire authorities as soon as possible – every second counts.

Respect the conditions! A total fire ban means that absolutely no fire should be lit under any circumstance. By ignoring the ban, not only could you start a catastrophic bushfire endangering Australian lives, but it could also land you a fine of at least $25,000 and 12 months jail time – a large price to pay for some roast marshmallows. Even if there is no fire ban in the area, respect the conditions of the day – if it’s windy, hot and dry, don’t light a fire unless absolutely necessary (when you’re trying to make a smoke signal to be rescued from your deserted island). And use your common sense – make sure there are no overhanging trees above or nearby and that your fire is contained at all times.

Don’t be the 50%. This summer is going to be a doozy. So have fun, but be careful – our volunteers deserve as much free time as they can get. Always be aware, because an unaware person is an arsonist’s wet dream.

Bushfire – Naturally Australian

Bushfires are as natural as the sun and rain, and have been part of the Australian landscape for millions of years.They have shaped the country’s landscape, history, and its eco-system. Australia’s environment has evolved with the existence of bushfires, so much so that some vegetation have developed characteristics that promote the spread of fire.

It’s unlikely we will ever be able to stop bushfires, and nor should we want to. Our natural fauna and flora have evolved with bushfires, and are somewhat dependent on their occurrence. They are so important to the health of our bush because:

• Nothing else produces the chemicals in the ash to stimulate new growth – or in the smoke to stimulate the flowering and regeneration of particular species.
• Nothing else produces the heat pulse that removes growth-inhibiting toxins in the litter, or opens tightly-closed fruits to release new seed, or penetrates deep into the soil to stimulate the germination of long-buried seed.
• Nothing else produces the succession of plant development to which our native fauna have adapted to meet their requirements for food, shelter and reproduction.

(CSIRO, 2008)

As the indigenous people of Australia have done for thousands of years prior, we must adapt to our surroundings and learn to coexist with this natural phenomenon. I’m sure we’re all aware of the immense and indescribable beauty of the Australian bush, but we have to keep it that way. This blog will provide a place for people to learn more about how they can live with bushfires, to accept their occurrence, and better prepare their property and families for the inevitable event of a bushfire.