Going Bush?Fire safety when travelling in Queensland

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

Page 2

© State of Queensland (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services) 2017

The Queensland Government, acting through the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, supports and encourages the dissemination and exchange of publicly funded information and endorses the use of the Australian Governments Open Access and Licensing Framework (AusGOAL).

All Queensland Fire and Emergency Services material in this document – except the QFES logos, any material protected by a trademark, and unless otherwise noted – is licensed under a https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has undertaken reasonable enquiries to identify material owned by third parties and secure permission for its reproduction. Permission may need to be obtained from third parties to re-use their material.

Written requests relating to the copyright in this document should be addressed to:

Intellectual Property Coordinator, For Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, C/o QPS Legal Unit, Legal Division, Queensland Police Service, GPO Box 1440, Brisbane 4001, PH: 07 3364 3958, EM: QFES.IPCopyright@qfes.qld.gov.au

Contents

Going Bush? 3

Travelling in Bushfire Prone Areas Know Your Risks 4

Fire Danger Rating 6

Fire safety on the road 8

Campfire Essentials 10

Five Campfire Rules 11

Information and Warnings 12

Smoke Alarm 14

Escape Plan 15

Fire Extinguishers 16

Fire Blankets 17

Safety Checklist 18

You can help us 19

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This booklet was created in collaboration with Rural Fire Service, State Community Engagement Unit

and Rural Fire Service Volunteer Frances Pelgrave.

RFS00072 04/18A

Page 3

Going Bush?Volunteers and staff of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) want to help you enjoy your time travelling in Queensland.

From the Pacific coast, over the slopes of the Great Divide, and west to the Indian Ocean, you are driving through some of the most diverse country in Australia. With the varied terrain comes a diverse range of conditions. This booklet is designed to help you prepare and plan for the Queensland bushfire season. This can start at any time after the beginning of June in far

north Queensland, and progress to southern areas as spring and summer approach, extending through to February in some southern and far south-western parts.

These times can vary from year to year depending on the condition of the local bushland, long term climate conditions and short term weather events We are asking you to play your part in keeping yourselves, the communities you pass through, and the wildlife safe from bushfire.

Take a few minutes to look through this booklet, and add the information to your way of life.

For more detailed information, visit: qfes.qld.gov.au/community-safety/downloadlibrary

Disclaimer

To the extent possible under applicable law, the material in this document is supplied as-is and as-available, and makes no representations or warranties of any kind whether express, implied, statutory, or otherwise. This includes, without limitation, warranties of title, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, absence of latent or other defects, accuracy, or the presence or absence of errors, whether or not known or discoverable. Where disclaimers of warranties are not allowed in full or in part, this disclaimer may not apply.

To the extent possible under applicable law, neither the Queensland Government or the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services will be liable to you on any legal ground (including, without limitation, negligence) or otherwise for any direct, special, indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive, exemplary, or other losses, costs, expenses, or damages arising out of the use of the material in this document. Where a limitation of liability is not allowed in full or in part, this limitation may not apply.

Page 4

Fire safety on the roadMake sure your vehicle is properly serviced and prepared for the journey you are undertaking.

Before you leave each day:

� Check the Fire Danger Rating for the area in which you will be travelling.

� Be prepared to change your plans without notice on hot, dry windy days.

� Monitor local radio for information on bushfire activity.

� Consider taking some food and drink that does not require cooking.

� Have at least one woollen blanket in the car.

� Inform a family member or friend of where you are going and keep them informed if your plans change.

Travelling:

� Being out on the road during a bushfire is extremely dangerous. Always try to avoid travelling in areas where bushfires are burning.

� Stay alert to local conditions. Official warnings may not be issued.

� Stay tuned to local radio/use social media for updates on conditions in your area.

� Follow advice given by police or fire fighters if roads are closed.

� In a bushfire situation, it is your choice, your responsibility, as to what you should do.

� The safest choice is not to be there at all.

Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSP)

» A NSP is a local open space or building where people may gather, as a last resort, to seek shelter from a bushfire.

» The main purpose of a NSP is to provide some level of protection to human life from the effects of a bushfire. Your NSP will not guarantee safety in all circumstances.

» The following limitations of a NSP need to be considered:

Page 5

If you are caught in a bushfire:

� Even with the best preparation and plans, it is still possible to be caught in a bushfire.

� If at all possible, turn around and drive back to safety.

� If you are able to, inform 000 of your present position; know your coordinates; know the distance from and the direction to the nearest town: give the number of people in the vehicle; it is a good option to own an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).

� Look for your closest Neighbourhood Safer Place.

If you can’t escape the path of a bushfire:

� Do not abandon your vehicle and run. Stay inside your vehicle as it will afford some protection from the effects of radiant heat.

� Pull to the side of the road or off the road and try to park in an area that is clear of long grass, leaves, trees, shrubs and logs.

� Face your vehicle towards the advancing fire front.

� Turn on your headlights and hazard lights as thick smoke will make it difficult to see your vehicle.

� Leave the engine running so that the headlights don’t flatten the battery.

� Make sure that your First Aid kit is with you.

� Get down on the floor, well below the window level; shelter under a woollen blanket or other heavy, non synthetic material.

� Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

� When the fire front has passed, and it is safe to do so, get out of the vehicle carefully – beware of molten and very hot metal. Check for smouldering vehicle parts and vegetation.

� Do not attempt to move the vehicle until the danger has passed.

» Firefighters may not be present, as they may be fighting the main fire front elsewhere.

» NSPs do not cater for animals or pets.

» NSPs do not provide meals or amenities.

» NSPs may not provide shelter from the elements, particularly flying embers.

» If you are a person with special needs, you should give consideration to what assistance you may require at a NSP.

» Not all areas will have a designated NSP. A register can be found on the Rural Fire Service’s website www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.

Page 6

Campfire EssentialsCheck with local authorities whether a permit is required to camp or have campfires/barbecues.

On arrival... » Check the area for any hazards before setting up your camp area.

» Previous campfires covered with sand or dirt.

» Rubbish left by others such as broken glass or cans.

» Check the area for potential problems like local flooding, high winds, bushfire risk and creepy crawlies.

Setting up your campfire... » Make sure the campfire is a safe distance from tents and other camping

equipment, especially flammable items such as gas cylinders and fuel cans.

» Light your campfire in a cleared area, free of long grass, scrub and overhanging branches.

» Use a barbecue pit or build a surround out of large rocks where possible.

» In Queensland, the use of gas or electric barbecues, including gas or spirit stoves, is permitted during fire bans.

» Never use any kind of flammable liquid on a fire — even when you are trying to get it started.

Consider the dangers... » Campfires should never be left unattended, particularly overnight.

Know where to get help... » Fire Ban Information line - on 1800 020 440 (free call).

Put your campfire out with water.

1 Positioning 2 BuildingCampfire Rules

Page 7

First Aid for Burns

Stop the burning process. » Stop, drop and roll if clothes

are on fire.

» Smother the flames with water or a coat/blanket made of natural fibres.

Call Triple Zero (000). » Stay on the phone with the

emergency operator until they hang up.

Cool the burnt area as soon as possible.

» Apply cool running water to the affected area for at least 20 minutes.

Campfire Facts

» Campfires should always be put out with water, not covered with sand or dirt, or simply abandoned.

» 91% of burns caused by outdoor fires are as a result of contact with the coals and embers rather than the flame.

» A campfire that is extinguished with water is cooled to less than 50 degrees Celsius after only 10 minutes. This is unlikely to cause burns to people.

» As little as one litre of water can cool an average size campfire to safe temperatures.

In case of gas cylinder fire

» Call 000.

» Keep bystanders away.

» Turn off cylinder valve if safe to do so.

If you see or accidentally start a grass or bushfire report it – call 000 immediately!

3 Starting 4 Extinguishing 5 Monitoring

Page 8

Your safety is your responsibility.

Travelling in Bushfire Prone Areas

» Bushfires can occur without warning and can quickly affect your travel plans. Plan for the unexpected by considering alternatives, like different travel routes.

» Check the Fire Danger Rating (FDR) at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/pages/FDR.aspx or the FDR signage placed at strategic locations throughout Queensland.

» The FDR for each weather district is determined by the Bureau of Meteorology, in consultation with QFES.

» Keep up to date with what is happening in the area by staying connected to local media and radio stations. Also use the internet and social media.

Are you a smoker?

Throwing cigarette butts from vehicles is dangerous. Cigarettes are environmentally unfriendly and can start bush and grass fires placing lives at risk.

There are heavy penalties for people caught throwing lit cigarette butts from vehicles, especially during times of increased fire danger. You can do your bit by reporting them. Download the form from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection’s webpage: www.ehp.qld.gov.au

You may see unattended fires burning in the bush close to the road you are travelling on. These may be wild fires, or they may be permitted hazard reduction burns. If you are concerned and uncertain about such fires, don’t be afraid to call 000.

Such information can be valuable to the emergency services, or they can tell you if they already know about these fires.

Page 9

Your safety is your responsibility.

Bushfires can affect just about any person or place in Queensland.

They move fast, can be highly destructive to land and property, and can pose a serious threat to life.

Since, as Travellers in motor homes and caravans, you are mobile and completely self contained, your Bushfire Survival Plan will be different from that of a householder.

Your main responsibility is to be fully up to date with bushfire advice and warnings (refer to the section on Information and Warnings).

If bushfires are burning in the places you hope to travel to or are already travelling through, then you should work out a new route so that you can drive away and avoid the affected areas.

You may be able to return to your original route in a few days if the bushfire conditions change and the risk diminishes.

Know Your Risk

Page 10Page 10

Information and Warnings

It is up to you to be aware of what is happening around you and to be prepared in case of an emergency. Remember to stay informed and speak to others about your local conditions.

When are bushfire warnings issued?

If a fire starts that may threaten life or property, warnings are issued. It’s up to you to take notice, seek information, make decisions and act.

What do bushfire warnings mean?

» There is a fire in your local area, access information and monitor conditions.

» Note that there is a fire nearby.

» Understand that there is no immediate threat.

» Access information and monitor conditions.

» Consider what action you should take for your safety – check your Bushfire Survival plan.

» Fire is heading toward you, conditions are changing and you need to take action now to protect yourself and your family.

» There is a heightened level of threat.

» Bushfire conditions in this area are changing.

» A fire is approaching you.

» Your life may be in danger.

» You need to take action now to protect yourself – enact your Bushfire Survival Plan.

Should you still be in this location?

» You are in imminent danger and need to take action immediately. You will be impacted by fire.

» Take immediate action recommended by the Fire Service in its warning message.

» Enact your Bushfire Survival Plan.

» Make sure you are ready for any emergency.

Remember, don’t rely on one source of information.

Page 11Page 11

Social Media

Like: QFES Facebook pageFollow: @QldFES

Apps

Emergency Alert is the national telephone warning system.

Warnings activated to assist you

Door Knocks

Community Meetings

Telephone Alerting

SMS – all networks Landlines

Information and warnings available for you to access

RadioABC local radio, community stations and commercial radio

TelevisionPay TV or Free-to-air TV

Websiteruralfire.qld.gov.au/map

WWW

How do I get warnings and know what’s happening?

It is one of many ways emergency services such as police, fire and emergency services, can warn a community of a likely or actual emergency.

The warning system sends text messages to mobile telephones based on the last known location of the handset within a specific area defined by the emergency service organisation issuing the warning message, about likely or actual emergencies such as fire, flood, or extreme weather events.

You should not wait to receive a warning message before you act.

Page 12Page 12

Where do smoke alarms need to go?

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services recommends that you have at least one working photoelectric smoke alarm inside the van where the bed is, and one also in the annex if you sleep there. The smoke alarm should meet Australian Standards 3786-2014. You can buy smoke alarms from most hardware stores, large supermarkets, electrical suppliers and a variety of retail stores.

Fit photoelectric smoke alarms with a hush button. Caravan specific ones are available from hardware stores. A hush button will silence the alarm for a short period of time allowing the air to clear.

Smoke Alarm

Fire Danger Rating

Fires start quietly and can spread very quickly. Smoke is a silent killer and when people are asleep they are unlikely to smell smoke.

A fire with a ‘very high’ danger rating is one that can be difficult to control with flames that may burn into the tree tops. During a fire of this type, some homes may be damaged or destroyed. During a fire with a ‘very high’ danger rating, you should use your home as a place of safety only if it is well-prepared and well-constructed.

LOW

-MO

DER

ATE

HIG

H

VERY HIGH SEVERE

EXTREME CATASTRO

PHIC

A fire with a ‘high’ danger rating is one that can be controlled, where loss of life is unlikely, and damage to property will be limited. During a fire with a ‘high’ danger rating, you should know where to get more information and monitor the situation for any changes.

A fire with a ‘low to moderate’ rating can be easily controlled and poses little or no risk to life or property. During a fire with a ‘low to moderate’ rating, you should know where to get more information and monitor the situation for any changes.

The Fire Danger Rating (FDR) is an early indicator of potential danger, and should act as your first trigger for action. The higher the rating, the greater the need for you to act.

Page 13Page 13

Keep up to date with your local Fire Danger Ratings every day at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/pages/FDR.aspx

Photoelectric is a type of smoke alarm which gives earlier warning of smouldering fires which maximises a person’s escape time. Smoke alarms help save lives by producing a loud warning sound that can give you time to get out of the house.

Maintaining your smoke alarms

Test your smoke alarms regularly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Change the batteries of battery-operated alarms at least once a year – decide on a memorable day (e.g. April 1) or an anniversary, birthday or public holiday.

» Test and clean smoke alarms monthly using the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner or soft brush.

» Check the manufacturer’s instructions for mains-powered smoke alarms as the back-up battery may require changing every 12 months.

A fire with a ‘severe’ rating may be uncontrollable and move quickly, with flames that may be higher than the roof tops. A ‘severe’ f ire may cause injuries and some homes or businesses will be destroyed. During a

fire with a ‘severe’ rating, leaving is safest option for your survival. Use your home as a place of safety only if it is well-prepared and well-constructed.

A fire with a rating of ‘catastrophic’ may be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast-moving. The flames will be higher than roof tops. May people may be injured, and many homes and businesses may be destroyed. During an ‘catastrophic’ fire, well-prepared and well-constructed homes will not be safe. Leaving is the only option for your survival.

LOW

-MO

DER

ATE

HIG

H

VERY HIGH SEVERE

EXTREME CATASTRO

PHIC

A fire with an ‘extreme’ rating may be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast-moving. The flames may be higher than roof tops. During an ‘extreme’ fire,

people will be injured, and homes and businesses may be destroyed. During an ‘extreme’ fire, well-prepared and well-constructed homes

may not be safe. Leaving is the only option for your survival.

Page 14Page 14

Escape Plan

When fire breaks out in the small confines of a caravan or mobile home, it’s far too late to start planning how to get out. That is why it is essential to prepare an escape plan in advance. Consider...

» How will you exit?

» Is your exit route clear of tripping hazards?

» Is there security that will stop your escape?

» Where will you meet any others you are travelling with?

Practise your escape.

This will help confirm that your plan will work.

Page 15Page 15

Fire Extinguishers

AS/NZS 1841.1:2007 - Portable fire extinguishers - General requirements

For travelling, particularly in motor homes and caravans, a dry chemical powder (AB(E), white band) fire extinguisher will be effective against most types of fires with a 1kg extinguisher discharging in 10-12 seconds. It should be located near the door, NOT in the kitchen, to be safely accessible. Check that the needle on the pressure gauge on the extinguisher is within the green section.

Did you know...

Over time the powder in your fire extinguisher may compact and become ineffective. Shake or hit the base of the fire extinguisher until you feel the powder move so that the extinguisher will work properly.

HOW TO USE YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.

Note: Hold the extinguisher by the bottom handle to allow easy removal of the pin.

Aim the nozzle towards the base of the fire.

Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher.

Sweep the nozzle from side to side aiming at the base of the fire.

Page 16Page 16

Fire Blankets

AS/NZS 3504:2006 - Fire blankets

If you are not sure that you can deal with a fire, get out immediately.

What is a fire blanket?

A fire blanket consists of a piece of fire-resistant fabric (usually woven glass fibre) that can be used to smother a small fire or wrap around a person whose clothing is alight. It must measure no less than one metre by one metre, but may be larger.

Where to store a fire blanket

To be useful, a fire blanket should be easily and quickly available. For example, it could be located near the door of your caravan.

When to use a fire blanket

A fire blanket is ideal for extinguishing cooking fat fires and can be used to wrap around people if their clothes catch on fire.

Safety Checklistfor Caravans and Mobile Homes

Read more at www.qfes.qld.gov.au/communitysafety/leisure/CampfireSafety.html

How to use a fire blanket

Pull down sharply on the tabs hanging from the bottom of the package to release the fire blanket.

Hold it in front of you, with the fabric rolled back at the edges to protect your hands.

Place (not throw) fire blankets over cooking fat fires, keeping hands and face protected behind it.

Lay the blanket gently over the fire. Do not throw the bottom of the blanket onto the far side of the fire as flames can then run up the blanket to your hands.

Turn off the heat source and leave the blanket over the burnt area for at least 15 minutes or until the heat has dissipated.

Dial 000 to call the fire service.

To put out a clothing fire, wrap the blanket around the flames and person. Get them to drop to the ground and roll until the fire is out. Seek medical assistance.

Page 17Page 17

Before travelling

� Check smoke alarms are working.

� Store an extra battery in case replacement is needed during the trip.

� Test the electrical Safety Switch before each trip.

� Make sure you know where escape windows and hatches are and how they work.

� Store all clothes and bedclothes well away from the kitchen area.

� Store all flammable liquids outside the caravan or mobile home.

� Store correctly labelled chemicals securely away from children.

� Secure loose items while travelling.

� Fit a fire blanket and/or fire extinguisher in the caravan.

� Replace any electrical appliances which have damaged cords or any other visible damage.

� Turn off all gas cylinders while the caravan is being towed or campervan engine is on.

� Keep gas cylinders outside unless a properly designed storage cupboard has been fitted.

While you are away

� Keep escape routes clear of obstructions.

� Never leave cooking unattended.

� Always turn handles aside so pots and pans cannot be knocked from the cooktop.

� Clean your cooking appliances regularly.

� Keep tea towels and other flammable items away from cooking appliances.

� Do not use appliances with frayed cords.

� Turn off all appliances not being used before going to bed.

� Do not leave electronic devices on charge or plugged into charge for extended periods of time.

� Ensure adequate ventilation when using a gas cooker.

� Locate extinguishers and fire blankets near an exit where they are easily accessible.

After travelling

� Test safety switch before each trip.

� Gas cylinders, pipes and fittings should be checked regularly, particularly after driving on country roads.

� Replace used fire blankets.

� Make sure fire extinguishers are fully charged, inspected and regularly serviced.

� Check electrical appliances for frayed cords and any other visible damage.

� Ensure that the extension lead for connecting electricity supply to your caravan is in good condition and of suitable size for the current load. Damaged cords must be replaced immediately.

� Electric blankets should be checked regularly and stored correctly.

� Replace the battery in the smoke alarm at least once a year.

Safety Checklistfor Caravans and Mobile Homes

Read more at www.qfes.qld.gov.au/communitysafety/leisure/CampfireSafety.html

How to use a fire blanket

Pull down sharply on the tabs hanging from the bottom of the package to release the fire blanket.

Hold it in front of you, with the fabric rolled back at the edges to protect your hands.

Place (not throw) fire blankets over cooking fat fires, keeping hands and face protected behind it.

Lay the blanket gently over the fire. Do not throw the bottom of the blanket onto the far side of the fire as flames can then run up the blanket to your hands.

Turn off the heat source and leave the blanket over the burnt area for at least 15 minutes or until the heat has dissipated.

Dial 000 to call the fire service.

To put out a clothing fire, wrap the blanket around the flames and person. Get them to drop to the ground and roll until the fire is out. Seek medical assistance.

Page 18

Things you can do immediately...

1. Call Triple Zero (000) to report an event happening now; otherwise...2. Remember the time and location where you see fires.3. Write down the description of people acting suspiciously in the area where fire

have been happening, or any unusual activity.4. Write down the description of vehicles entering or leaving the area about the times

of fires5. Pass this information onto your local police, or anonymously to CRIME STOPPERS on

1800 333 000.

Page 19

1. Where do you call home?

� Australian Capital Territory � New South Wales � Northern Territory � Queensland � South Australia � Tasmania � Victoria � Western Australia � I am from overseas. My home

country is ……………………………..

2. How do you travel?

� In a motor home � In a caravan � Other

3. How many travel with you?

� I travel on my own � 2 people � 3 or more � I have my pet animal with me.

4. What is your age?

� Under 50 � 50 - 60 � 60 - 70 � 70+

5. How long will you travel for?

� 1 week � 2- 4 weeks � 2- 3 months � More than 3 months � We live on the road

6. How useful has this resource been for you?

� Very useful � Useful � Not useful

7. We will put the information into practise while we are travelling and when we return home.

� Yes � No

8. I/we understand the roadside signs about the Fire Danger Rating.

� Yes � No

9. We now have a Bushfire Survival Plan for while we are travelling.

� Yes � No

10. We know how to access information on social media, and will check the QFES community messaging site.

� Yes � No

By completing the following survey you will help Queensland Fire and Emergency Services provide more relevant information for Bushfire Safety in their community education programs. It can be completed online www.surveymonkey.com/r/RFSGoingBush or here and returned to us via the reply paid option.

You can help us

Any comments or suggestions?

Thank you for helping us. Your feedback is valuable to us.

RFS0

0072

04/

18A

Wid

th:1

10m

mX

Leng

th:2

20m

mN

ote:

All

com

pone

nts

mus

tbe

prin

ted.

The

artw

ork

com

pone

nts

mus

tnot

bere

-sca

led.

Re-

scal

ing

will

crea

tepr

oces

sing

prob

lem

s.

Del

iver

yA

ddre

ss:

GP

OB

ox14

25B

RIS

BA

NE

QLD

4001

Rur

alFi

reS

ervi

ceO

ffice

of B

ushf

ire M

itiga

tion

Rep

lyP

aid

1425

BR

ISB

AN

EQ

LD40

01

File

nam

e:D

8925

1253

0491

1022

0N13

1204

.pdf

date

:04/

12/2

013

12:3

8:56

Plea

seno

te:

•It

isth

ecu

stom

er's

resp

onsi

bilit

yto

chec

kth

atth

ear

twor

kis

corr

ect,

plea

sech

eck

the

deliv

ery

addr

ess

deta

ilsan

dth

ead

dres

see

deta

ilsbe

low

the

barc

ode.

Con

tact

Aus

tralia

Pos

tifa

nych

ange

sar

ere

quire

d.•

Failu

reto

adhe

reto

corr

ecta

ddre

ssin

gan

dfo

rmat

ting

stan

dard

sw

illre

sult

inhi

gher

cust

omer

char

ges

orca

ncel

latio

nof

serv

ice.

•R

efer

toth

eR

eply

Pai

dS

ervi

ceG

uide

orvi

sitw

ww

.aus

post

.com

.au/

repl

ypai

d•

Plea

sech

eck

the

artw

ork

deta

ilsth

orou

ghly

.Aus

tral

iaPo

stis

notr

espo

nsib

lefo

rany

erro

rs.

Sum

mar

y:E

nvel

ope

Pap

erR

equi

rem

ents

:-

wei

ghto

f65

to10

0gsm

;-

thic

knes

sof

0.08

to0.

18m

m;

-st

iffne

ss:m

achi

nedi

rect

ion

of3

mN

;and

,-

stiff

ness

:cro

ssdi

rect

ion

of1.

5mN

.

No

prin

tcon

tent

can

appe

arin

the

botto

m15

mm

onth

efro

ntof

the

artic

leor

20m

mon

the

rear

ofth

ear

ticle

.W

AR

NIN

GC

hang

esto

this

artw

ork

notc

ompl

ying

with

Rep

lyP

aid

Ser

vice

Gui

delin

esm

ayre

sult

inca

ncel

latio

nof

your

Rep

lyP

aid

serv

ice.