Bush/Forest Fire Prevention and Firefighting:

Causes
Effects
Firefighting
Fire Prevention

Causes:
Natural

Magnified sunlight
Firestones
Gas pockets
Auto-ignition from bamboo stools

Human Causes:

Rubbish heap fires left unattended

Discarded cigarettes butts and lit match
Agricultural fires (slash and burn)
Children playing with matches
Persons clearing land for developmental purposes
Escapes from campfires
Accidents such as vehicle fires
Lightning

Effects:

Air pollution
Water pollution
Destruction of flora and fauna
Floods
Landslides
Landslips

Firefighting:

Defensive methods
Counter burning
Firebreaks

Offensive methods
Charged fire hoses
Fire-beaters
Bambi-bucket

Fire Prevention:
2

 Building management The use of non-combustible material

as far as practicable.
Land management Proper roadway for emergency vehicle to
gain access, creation of firebreaks, removal of debris etc.
Public education
- Creating and maintaining a Fire Trail around all structures
by removing flammable vegetation
- Ensuring grass and lawns on the property are mown.
- Storing rubbish bins, refuse and other flammable items
away from buildings.
- Creating a maintenance program for the daily removal of
leaf litter and other flammable waste from around
buildings.
- Clearing bark and leaves from roof gutters, timber decks
and other areas that may trap embers.
- Enclosing under-floor and under-deck areas with ember
proofing
- Ensuring all windows, doors and screens will close and
seal to prevent embers and smoke entering buildings.
- Removing dead branches, leaves and undergrowth from
around your home especially under trees.
- Reducing, removing and managing vegetation such as long
grass within 20 metres of your home and within 5metres
of any sheds and garages.
- Pruning tree limbs that are lower than two metres above
the ground or overhanging your home.
- Removing bark, heavy mulch, wood piles and any other
flammable materials close to your home and sheds.
3

Under the Agricultural Fires Act (Ch63:02 Act 20 of 1965) a

permit, obtainable from the nearest Fire Station, is required to
light outdoor fires during this time. Failure to obtain a permit
carries a fine of $1500 and 6 months imprisonment.
Note If a permit is granted guidelines will be provided by Fire
Guardians and should be adhered to during the period specified
on
the
permit.
Fire guardians in various regions (Fire Station Ground) are
appointed by the County Fire Control Officer (Fire Station Officer).
They make patrols within counties, and inform as to guidelines for
control setting of fires as designated by the Fire Permit along with
enforcing rules with regards to fire burning.