What Tasmanians wish they’d known before bushfire season
Bushfire season is here. Three Tasmanians share what they wish they’d known, and the small steps that make the biggest difference.
A hot northerly wind. An eerie haze. Smoke on the horizon. For many Tasmanians, this is the moment bushfire preparation becomes real.
And the moment may arrive earlier than usual this year, with the latest outlook warning of an elevated bushfire risk in parts of the state. The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting above-average temperatures across the country, and fire authorities have flagged north-eastern Tasmania as an area of increased bushfire risk due to dry conditions and below-average rainfall.
The Tasmania Fire Service is ready to respond, but those who have lived through a bushfire know that the most important work happens long before the first signs of smoke.
To help you with bushfire preparation, we asked three Tasmanians who have lived through bushfire what they wish they had known.
“Nothing prepares you for the intensity, the heat and the speed at which it moves.”
- Sandra McCann, Manager Community Education and former Station Officer, Tasmania Fire Service
Before becoming a firefighter, I don’t think I fully understood just how quickly a bushfire can change. You can train for it, but nothing really prepares you for the intensity, the heat and the speed at which it moves. It definitely gives you a healthy respect for what fire is capable of.
I also wish I’d understood that bushfire season isn’t just about what happens on a fireground. A huge part of keeping people safe happens beforehand through planning and preparation. The reality is that the work people do before a fire starts can have a massive impact on the outcome.
One thing we talk about a lot is having a bushfire plan, and that’s because we see firsthand how important it is. When a fire is approaching, it can be stressful, noisy and fast-moving. Having already thought through what you’ll do, where you’ll go and when you’ll leave can make those decisions much easier.
What stands out to me every season is that prepared communities are more resilient communities. Simple things like clearing around your home, staying informed and understanding your risk can make a real difference.
If there’s one message to get across, it’s don’t wait until there’s smoke on the horizon. Bushfire preparation might seem like something to think about later, but we know being prepared early gives you the best chance to protect yourself, your family and your property.
Credit: Supplied
“Do the small, practical things early, while you still have the time.”
- Natasha Newman, Resilience and Recovery Lead, State Programs, Red Cross Tasmania
During the summer of 2018–19, a dry lightning fire started in the south-west of Tasmania and proceeded to move in an easterly direction across the Huon Valley.
We knew conditions were likely to get extreme and that our property was in the bushfire's path. So, we decided to act early by taking some of our precious and irreplaceable belongings to a friend’s place in Hobart for safekeeping.
We then decided to stay at home because our property was prepared and we were in a position to defend it. It was a good reminder for me that preparedness is not always about making one big decision. It is also about doing the small, practical things early, while you still have the time and choices available to you.
Most people imagine a bushfire as a slow-moving wall of flames that occurs in windy hot weather, but factors such as humidity and the type of vegetation can cause a fire to intensify, change direction or spread much faster than expected. Even a fire that seems distant can become a threat in a short period of time.
I know that staying informed during a bushfire is essential, and listening to our local ABC936 radio and downloading the TasALERT app can alleviate a lot of stress and help us to make informed decisions.
Credit: iStock
“Community can be your biggest asset.”
- Jessamy Bath, Resilience Officer and Australian Red Cross Volunteer
As a volunteer, I provide psychosocial support to people in emergencies and help communities to prepare and recover. I am not a fire expert, but I’ve spent a lot of time in evacuation centres and recovery hubs, listening to people share what they wish they’d known.
Many people who have lived through disasters talk about how stressful it is, particularly if they are in a life-threatening situation, or are separated from loved ones. Don’t wait until the fire is at your doorstep to decide how you will respond. Do the ‘thinking’ part ahead of time. Make an emergency plan, write it down and communicate it with your loved ones. Find a way to calm your nervous system – deep breathing is one example – and practise it. This can help you think clearly in an emergency.
Also, don’t assume there will be a fire truck at your place in the event of a large bushfire. Emergency services do an incredible job, but they can’t be everywhere at once, particularly in a large-scale event. Prepare your property as much as possible before fire season and check you have adequate insurance.
I’ve also learned that community can be your biggest asset. Try and get to know your neighbours and welcome new people to the area; identify a support network of a few people you can call on in an emergency; if you have time, join a community group. Strengthening our social ties can add richness to our everyday life as well as providing support in times of emergency.
I have heard countless stories of neighbours helping each other in times of emergency. It’s often community members who are first on the scene and continue supporting each other through the journey of recovery.
So, the lesson is to show up for your community in small ways every day, and they will show up for you in big ways in times of crisis.
Credit: Supplied
Get ready for bushfire season in Tasmania
Be prepared this bushfire season by knowing your bushfire risk, having a bushfire plan and emergency kit, and staying informed. Getting prepared at your own pace early is critical.
Remember: leaving early is always the safest option.
Create a bushfire plan
Prepare an emergency kit
Monitor fire danger ratings
Remove fire-prone vegetation
Report potential fire hazards
Stay informed with the TasALERT app
For more information, read the Tasmania Fire Service Bushfire Safety Guide.
Call triple 000 in an emergency. Stay calm, don’t shout, speak slowly and clearly.