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FIRE AWARENESSA N A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E

1 KNOW your risk — know if you live in a bushfire-prone area.

2 UNDERSTAND your local environment and your options should a bushfire occur — to leave early, or to stay and defend your home.

3 CHECK the Tasmania Fire Service website (www.fire.tas. gov.au) regularly for: ADVICE on how to prepare for bushfires. CURRENT and expected fire danger ratings. They indicate how bad fires will be if they start, and should guide what action you will take on fire danger days.BUSHFIRE alerts and warnings — in case a fire breaks out near you. WHERE nearby safer places are for shelter. These are listed in the Community Bushfire Protection Plan for your area.INFORMATION on total fire bans and what you can and can’t do with fires when bans are in place.

4 PREPARE a Bushfire Survival Plan. Your plan should include everyone who lives with you or is relying on you to keep them safe, as well as pets or livestock. Talk today with your family and neighbours about your bushfire survival plan and what you will do.

5 EVEN if it is not a day of total fire ban, think of the weather conditions and use common sense when doing anything that could start a fire.

6 SOME bushfires are started by arsonists. If you see anything suspicious, no matter how insignificant, call the police immediately.

Six key stepsto safe summer

Prepare for the worst in high danger seasonLAST year, Tasmania coppedthe full wrath of Mother Na-ture’s fury when floods hitlarge areas of the North andthe Derwent Valley.

However, the TasmaniaFire Service is warning resi-dents that worse could comebecause summer is the riskiesttime of year for Australia’sdeadliest natural disasters —bushfires.

To ensure Tasmanians areas prepared as possible fortragic events, the TFS is pro-moting its 2016-17 BushfireSafety Campaign.

TFS chief officer Chris

Arnol said the campaign wasextremely important as unfor-tunately bushfires were andwould continue to be part ofthe Tasmanian landscape.

“The TFS continues to en-courage residents in bushfire-prone areas to prepare theirproperties for the summer, asintense bushfires can strikewith little warning,” he said.

“It is very important thatresidents are not complacent.

“If you live in or near bush-land, you, your family and yourhome are at risk.”

Mr Arnol said a home orproperty was more likely to

survive a bushfire if it was pre-pared properly.

“The most important job isto create a defendable space,this means having an areaaround your home where youhave modified the vegetationand removed the most flam-mable material to reduce thefire’s radiant heat intensity,”he said.

“If you do this, flames andradiant heat from an ap-proaching bushfire will be re-duced, so sparks and emberswill have less fuel to ignitewhen they land, and any spotfires will be easier to put out.

“A well-prepared spacemakes it much easier to defendyour home, and if you choosenot to stay it will help firefight-ers protect your home, or mayeven protect your home if fire-fighters cannot reach it.”

Mr Arnol said that as well aspreparing your property, it wasessential for people living in ornear bushland to have a Bush-fire Survival Plan, which de-tailed exactly how to prepareand what action to take ifthreatened by bushfire.

“Writing and practising abushfire survival plan will helpyou think through the actions

logically, give you somethingto refer to, and can help con-trol fear and anxiety if a bush-fire breaks out nearby,” he said.

“The plan must take intoconsideration the ages andphysical capabilities of every-one in your household, includ-ing children and the elderly.People should decide well inadvance of a bushfire whetherthey will leave or stay withtheir homes to defend them.”

For more information andto download your BushfireSurvival Plan Booklet visitwww.fire.tas.gov.au or free call1800 000 699.

THINK AHEAD: Develop and discuss your bushfire survival plan with your family.

With bushfi re season fast approaching, we’re reducing the threat of vegetation coming in contact with powerlines. TasNetworks and our authorised contractors will be entering properties around the state over the coming weeks in order to clear any foliage growing too close to TasNetworks-owned distribution lines. Regardless of where you live, you can do your bit – don’t plant trees too close to powerlines. It’s everyone’s responsibility to be safe around electricity.

For more information visit tasnetworks.com.au or call us on 1300 137 008.

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TAKE CARE: Campfires that are unattended or left to smoulder can cause disaster.

FIRE AWARENESSA N A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E

Don’t let campfire ruin it all FIREFIGHTERS across Tas-mania are urging people to beaware of the potential dangersof campfires.

“One of the great thingsabout living in Tasmania isthat families can just pack uptheir camping gear, jump in thecar and head off,” TasmaniaFire Service chief officer ChrisArnol said.

“And campfires are an inte-gral part of that getaway tra-dition.

“But it is important to re-member a few basic rules whenusing them.”

Mr Arnol said campfiresshould never be left unatten-ded and should be small andwell contained.

“Never light a fire on aTotal Fire Ban day,” he said.

“It is your responsibility tocheck if any restrictions are inplace before you light one.

“Obey all signs in nationalparks and other reserves thatmay restrict where campfiresmay be lit. Remember camp-fires must always be extin-guished with water.”

The key campfire safetymessage from the TFS is “soakit, stir it and soak it again”.

“Use water to make sureyour fire is completely extin-guished,” Mr Arnol said.

“Do not use soil. Fires canstill smoulder under soil andcan stay hot for more thaneight hours.”

He said that in Tasmania’swarmer months, campersshould be encouraged to enjoyour beautiful state.

“But they should also beaware of their responsibilities,”Mr Arnol said. “Bushfires canlead to significant damage orloss of lives and property.”

The TFS’s campfire safetymessage is part of its wider2016-17 Bushfire Safety Cam-

paign, which began lastmonth.

Mr Arnol said it was essen-tial for people staying or livingin or near bushland to have aBushfire Survival Plan, whichdetailed exactly how to pre-pare and what action to take if

threatened by bushfire. “Your plan must take into

consideration the ages andphysical capabilities of every-one in your household, includ-ing children and the elderly,”he said.

“Once a Bushfire Survival

Plan is in place, it is importantfor your family to know whataction to take when a bushfireapproaches.”

To download your BushfireSurvival Plan Booklet visitwww.fire.tas.gov.au or free call1800 000 699.

Is your home or business safe from bushfires?We have a range of products to help protect

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Robert Higgins, General Manager

Owners and occupiers of land in the Tasman Municipality are reminded that with the fire season fast approaching it is now time to assess your property and clear any potential fire hazards.

Inspections of properties will be undertaken in coming weeks, and where considered necessary, Fire Abatement Notices will be issued for the clearing of fire hazards in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. Failure to comply with a Fire Hazard Abatement Notice will result in Council undertaking the work at the owner’s expense.

Council seeks the cooperation of ratepayers in ensuring that their property does not constitute a fire risk during the common months. For further information or for reporting a potential fire hazard, please contact the Council on (03) 6250 9200 or email: tasman@tasman.tas.gov.au

FIRE HAZARD

FIRE HAZARDOwners and occupiers of land in the Municipality are

reminded that over the coming weeks abatement notices

will, where considered necessary, be issued for the

appropriate clearing of fire hazards.

Under the Local Government Act 1993, Council is required

to issue Fire Abatement Notices that calls for the removal of

the hazard within a specified time period.

Assistance to clear such hazards may be obtained through

council.

Failure to remove fire hazards by the specified time, could

lead to compulsory clearance at the property owners

expense.

For further information or for reporting of a potential fire

hazard, please contact the council on 6268 7012.

RON SANDERSON

GENERAL MANAGER kingborough.tas.gov.au

BE BUSHFIRE READYKingborough Council reminds residents that the fire season is fast approaching. As a community we need to plan to ensure we are bushfire ready. Council recommend residents:• Prepare your property for bushfire, in accordance with Tasmania Fire

Service guidelines;• Complete a Bushfire Survival Plan;• Identify your Nearby Safe Place; and• Speak to your neighbours about being bushfire ready.

Burning within residential areas is prohibited. Once the Fire Permit Season is declared burning in rural areas must comply with Tasmania Fire controls.

Further information is available from Kingborough Council on 6211 8200 or www.fire.tas.gov.au

Prepare, Act, Survive - the key to surviving a bushfire is to make a plan and keep informed.

Gary ArnoldGENERAL MANAGER

Central Highlands Council

Owners and occupiers of land in the municipality

are advised that with the fire season fast

approaching it is now time to assess your

property and remove fire hazards. Over coming

weeks, abatement notices will, where considered

necessary, be issued for the appropriate clearing of

fire hazards.

Council seeks the co-operation of residents in

ensuring that their property does not constitute a

threat during the coming months.

For further information or for reporting of

a potential fire hazard, please contact the

Development & Environmental Services Office on

(03) 6259 5503.

Lyn Eyles

GENERAL MANAGER

FIRE HAZARD

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THEMERCURY.COM.AU SUNDAY JANUARY 8 2017 51

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FIRE AWARENESSA N A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E

Keep growth clear of linesWITH bushfire season uponus, TasNetworks is remindingpeople that trees growing tooclose to powerlines are a safetyrisk, with the potential to causefires, cut electricity supply andleave wires on the ground.

TasNetworks is encourag-ing customers to act now toprotect their homes and theirneighbours’ homes by ensur-ing all trees and shrubs arekept at least three metres clearof powerlines at all times.

“It’s everyone’s responsibil-ity to be safe around electricity,so it’s important homeownersand occupiers ensure trees ontheir property are well clear of

powerlines all year round,”TasNetworks major works de-livery team leader Tony Ether-ington said.

Customers can help by con-sidering the risks when plant-ing trees, and by reporting anyinstances of trees growing tooclose to powerlines.

“If customers see trees orvegetation in close proximityor at risk of coming into con-tact with powerlines, pleasecontact TasNetworks on 132004,” Mr Etherington said.

He said while TasNetworks’vegetation management pro-gram was successful in helpingto prevent highly dangerous

situations, it also relied on pub-lic information to assist in iden-tifying vegetation posing a risk.

“Bushfires can cost lives,hurt communities, and causemillions of dollars of damageto electrical infrastructure andto private property,’’ he said.

Customers were encouragedto seek advice from their localnursery when planting treesand shrubs to ensure nearbypowerlines weren’t affected.

TasNetworks is committedto the safety of workers andcustomers, and educating thecommunity about electricalsafety — a vital element of itscommunity safety obligation.

HAZARDOUS: Branches near powerlines pose a safety risk.

C I T Y O F C L A R E N C E

Clarence. . . a br ighter place | w w w.ccc. tas.gov.au

FIRE SEASON

FIRE HAZARD REDUCTION SAVES PROPERTY AND LIVES

To prepare for a potentially hazardous fire season, Council reminds owners and occupiers of vacant land of the need to clear any fire hazards on their property.

Reducing fire hazards for suburban blocks and blocks up to 2000 square metres involves clearing and removing all grasses, scrub and undergrowth so that they are no higher than 75mm.

For larger blocks over 2000 square metres, a fire break 10 metres wide for flat land is required and a minimum of 15 metres for sloped land around the property boundaries. It should be noted it may not be necessary to remove trees, and care should be taken to preserve these if possible. It is suggested for large trees to remove limbs and vegetation to a height of two metres from the ground.

For more information on hazard reduction and fire safety call Council’s Ranger Service on 6217 9500, visit www.fire.tas.gov.auor call 1800 000 699.

Andrew PaulGENERAL MANAGER

Peter BrooksGeneral Manager

G L E N O R C H Y C I T Y C O U N C I L

BUSHFIRE SEASONTHE TIME TO PREPARE OUR COMMUNITY IS NOW!

With the summer bushfire season now in our midst, Glenorchy City Council strongly encourages all property owners to take steps to reduce potential fire hazards on your property.

All potential fire hazards in and around your property should be removed and disposed of appropriately. Fire hazards include grass and vegetation clippings, overgrown vegetation, rubbish and other combustible material.

If you are concerned about the condition of your land and are unable to carry out the work personally, Council recommends that you engage a private contractor to assist or provide you with advice.

Council also asks that all property owners and residents play their part in reducing fire hazards that may affect you, your family and your fellow community members by doing the following:

• checking the Tasmania Fire Service website (www.fire.tas.gov.au) for information and guidelines about protecting your property, or calling the Tasmania Fire Service Information Line on 1800 000 699 (free call)

• making a Bushfire Survival Plan for your household

• speaking with your neighbours and sharing your Bushfire Survival Plan with them, as well as friends and family

• knowing your Bushfire Survival Plan well and sticking to it if it needs to be actioned

• planning and considering how you will care for pets in the event of a fire emergency

A potentially significant bushfire season has been forecast, and the impacts have the potential to be severe. Clear your land, keep an eye out for your neighbours, know your Bushfire Survival Plan and, most importantly, keep safe!

If you require further information about how to prepare for yourself and your property for the fire season, call the Tasmania Fire Service Information Line on 1800 000 699, or alternatively call Council on (03) 6216 6800.

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FIRE AWARENESSA N A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E

On days of total fire banMONITOR total fire ban warnings through newspapers, TV, radio and the TFS website (www.fire.tas .gov.au). BE aware that a total fire ban usually lasts for 24 hours. DON’T use tools and equipment in the open that generate sparks or use a naked flame. DON’T operate barbecues that use wood, charcoal or other solid fuel (these are all banned during total fire bans).ONLY use gas and electric barbecues and follow the strict conditions on the TFS website. MINIMISE non-essential water use, including garden watering or sprinklers. This helps ensure fireighters and residents have water for fighting fires.IF bushwalking or camping, only use gas-fuelled cooking appliances that must be at least 1m clear of flammable material.

TFS community develop-ment officer Lesley King, whoco-ordinated the project, said itwas remarkable to hear thevivid descriptions of people’sBlack Tuesday experience.

“The stories were told with

very raw emotion as if it wereyesterday,” she said. “It is veryimportant that we collect theseaccounts, not only as a histori-cal record but also as an edu-cational tool. People livingnear the bush need to know

that bushfires in Tasmania canmove very fast and be unpre-dictable, especially in a cata-strophic fire event like ’67.”

The collected stories are onthe ’67 Bushfires Storymap onthe TFS website fire.tas.gov.au

Personal stories from state’s blackest dayTHE Tasmania Fire Servicehas been working to preservethe stories of those who sur-vived the 1967 “Black Tuesday”bushfires, in the lead-up to thetragic event’s 50th anniversarynext year.

On February 7, 1967, 110separate fire fronts ragedthrough 2640 square kilome-tres of land in southern Tas-mania within five hours.

The fires claimed more than60 lives, injured 900 people,left thousands without homes,and became one of the worstnatural disasters in Australianhistory.

The total damage was esti-mated at about $40 million,with many properties andhomes destroyed, as well asfarms, parks and public infra-structure.

Last year, the TFS BushfireReady Neighbourhoods mo-bile video booth travelledaround Tasmania to build acollection of experiences.

Tales of survival, recovery,connectedness and resiliencehave been revealed.

DISASTER: A house on fire at Lenah Valley, right, and a red sky over the Hobart city centre, above.This picture:

WOOLFORD FAMILY

The stories were told with very raw emotion as if it were yesterday ... It is very important that we collect these accounts.

TFS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER LESLEY KING

BUSHFIRE SEASONPREPARATIONS

PROPERTY OWNERS SHOULD PREPARE THEIR PROPERTIES NOWDISPOSAL OF GARDEN MATERIAL

FREE ENTRY WEEKENDSMCROBIES GULLY WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTRE

www.hobartcity.com.au

(N. D. Heath) GENERAL MANAGER

To assist City of Hobart residents to prepare their properties for bushfire, free entry to the McRobies Gully facility for disposal of domestic quantities of green waste is scheduled for the following weekends:

10-11 December 2016*21-22 January 201725-26 February 2017

Residents are also invited to opt-in to the City’s fortnightly kerbside green waste service by going to: http://www.hobartcity.com.au/Environment/Recycling_and_Waste/Green_Waste*General and green waste free entry weekend

FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT PROGRAMPotential fire hazards can be reported tofirehazards@hobartcity.com.au or by calling 6238 2886

FIREBREAK MAINTENANCE AND HAZARD REDUCTION BURNING

Annual maintenance of the City’s firebreak network will be commencing in November and the program will be actively managed throughout the bushfire season. Enhancement works on some firebreaks will also be undertaken, commencing this year with Bicentennial Park.

Twelve bushfire hazard reduction burns, encompassing 270ha, were completed across the City last year. This year’s program has commenced with the completion of two burns in spring in Bicentennial Park and Knocklofty Reserve. The majority of the program is scheduled for Autumn 2017, subject to suitable weather conditions.

For specific information to assist you in being prepared for the bushfire season go to the Tasmania Fire Service website at http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/Show?pageId=colbushfirePrepareActSurvive

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BLACKTUESDAY50TH ANNIVERSARY

BLACKTUESDAY50TH ANNIVERSARYThe Mercury is pleased to offer Tasmanian teachers our new education resource for Term 1, 2017, Black Tuesday 50th Anniversary.February 7, 1967, was a day of drama, heroism and tragedy that came to be known as Black Tuesday. The most deadly bushfires Tasmania has ever experienced blackened a large swathe of the state, leaving more than 60 people dead, 900 injured and more than 7000 homeless.

The education kit is a cross-curricular resource and will help teachers meet some of their curriculum needs in English, history, geography, maths, ICT, arts.

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Go to mercurynie.com.au, email damian.bester@news.com.au or phone 6230 0736 for more information or to place an order.

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