Bush Fire Survival Guide
Bushwalking
On days of Total Fire Ban, it is best to postpone a trip into the bush since the risk of fire starting and growing rapidly is extremely high.
If you are caught in the bush during a fire, find as clear an area as possible and prepare to shelter there. Do not try to out run a bushfire.
When looking for a place to shelter, seek streams or rivers, bare clearings, or large rock outcrops that will break the path of the fire. Avoid places uphill from the direction of the fire or at the crest of a hill. Do not shelter in water tanks above the ground surface.
Do your best to cover your skin to protect against radiant heat. It is wise to have long pants and a long sleeved shirt on a bushwalk. Sturdy leather footwear, a broad brimmed hat, and a supply of water are essential items.
Camping
Be aware of the declaration of Total Fire Bans in the district where you are camping. It is prohibited to light a campfire on a day of Total Fire Ban, or use portable barbecues or gas fired stoves.
You may use the gas or electric barbecues fixed in permanent structures in parks and council nature reserves if council has given approval, and as long as the area is cleared for 2 metres around and above the barbecue, an adult is in attendance at all times, and there is a continuous water supply.
On a day of Total Fire Ban no fires or barbecues which burn solid fuel, e.g. wood, charcoal, heatbeads, may be lit.
Camp fires may be lit during the Bush Fire Danger Season provided:
- It is in a permanently constructed fireplace surrounded by ground that is clear of all combustible matter for a distance of at least 2 metres
OR
- At a site surrounded by ground that is clear of all combustible matter for a distance of 3 metres.
- You ensure that the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.
These regulations also apply to the use of portable gas stoves or barbecues during the Bush Fire Danger Season, (1st October to 31st March).
Remember, it is dangerous to use naked flame inside a tent.
Never light a portable stove or barbecue inside a tent. Use an electric torch for lighting.
- Don't panic.
- Never run uphill to get away from an approaching fire.
- Never attempt to run through a fire unless you are sure it is small (less than one metre deep, with flames of less than one metre high), and then only as a last resort.
- Try to find an open space - even better, a space where the ground is burned.
- Make yourself a firebreak. You can quickly clear away a lot of flammable material .
If a large area of water (like a swimming pool) is available, take shelter, but NEVER climb into elevated water tanks.
Radiant heat from fire is the number one killer in bushfires, so cover up as much exposed skin as possible and remember ... the air is fresher and cooler near the ground.
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Whilst every care has been taken in compiling these information pages, Ku-ring-gal
Bushwalkers
Activity and Social Group and its volunteers neither warrant nor represent that
the material
published here is accurate or free from errors or omissions.
All information contained on these pages should to be used as a guide only and
is not published for public use.