"Canberra, get ready" - ACT Bushfire Season starts today


Released 01/11/2016

ACT Emergency Services Agency Commissioner Dominic Lane today officially launched the start of the 2016-17 bushfire season.

“Recent wet weather may have delayed the start of the bushfire season this year by one month, but our message remains the same, it’s time to get ready now,” Mr Lane said.

The outlook provided by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC (BNHCRC) Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook 2016 indicates that whilst we have had a later start to the bushfire season, there could also be a later finish than normal.

“A well-prepared home or business is far more likely to survive a bushfire and there’s plenty you can do to make that happen,” Mr Lane said.

“Simple things like cleaning up around the backyard, especially in corners where leaves and other debris have collected can drastically reduce the risk of fire from ember attack,” he said.

“It is also important to bear in mind that, for the duration of bushfire season, fire permits are required under section 124 of the Emergencies Act 2004, for the lighting or use of fire in the open air.

“The wet weather has resulted in a lot of fresh growth around the ACT which, when drier, hotter conditions arrive, will mean extra fuel for bushfires.

“The ESA volunteers and staff stand, as always, ready to defend Canberra residents and their properties against the threat of bushfire but if we all work together, we can reduce the risks faced by everyone.”

  For more information about how you can prepare and defend your home, check out the ESA website at www.esa.gov.au.

- Statement ends -

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