How prepared are you for Bushfires this summer?

Bushfire season is upon us and so is the buzz around why it happens. Bushfires are not new to the Australian continent. They have in fact shaped the very nature of this place. But can we forget the devastating Black Summer of 2019? As fires raged for months, thousands of hectares of land, home and lives were lost.

No time in history has witnessed an existential crisis like the 21st century. Man- nature conflict has reached a peak with nature pushing back. Droughts, floods, unusual weather patterns, a raging pandemic and devastating fires; we have seen it all.

But humanity is about hope and evolution is about adaption. Preparedness is key to adapting and living a good life. In this blog, I look at a list of resources to be Bushfire ready in NSW this summer.

Bush integration and Wildfires

The Australian ecosystem is built on fires man-made and natural. Indigenous Australians have long used fire as a land management tool and it continues to be used to clear land for agricultural purposes and to protect properties from intense, uncontrolled fire. Some of the earliest accounts of European travellers speak of smouldering fire along the coastline.

Bushfires in Australia supports biodiversity with flora and fauna dependent on them to evolve and survive. Many of Australia's native plants are fire prone and very combustible, while numerous species depend on fire to regenerate.

Historically, bushfires have caused loss of life and significant damage to property. While bushfires cannot be averted, one can minimise their consequences. This means activating mitigating plans and disaster preparedness.

What causes Bushfires?

An unplanned vegetation fire is called a Bushfire. It can be shrubs, forests or even grass on fire. Bushfires can be started by natural causes such as lightning strikes or by man-made causes for soil reintegration or accidentally. Weather conditions play a crucial part in bushfire occurrence and intensity.

Did you know that the 2019 bushfires were caused by lightning? The devastating fires were triggered by high temperatures, abundant dry vegetation and strong winds.

Climate Change and Intense Fires

An increase in Earth's temperature has seen Australian summers get hotter with prolonged dry conditions. High daytime temperature, low humidity and higher evaporation rates all make intense fires. Forty years of data on the Forest Fire Danger Index ( FFDI), from 1978-2017 indicate longer bushfire seasons in Australia over three decades.

Climate change affects us all. Extended droughts and fires resulting in fuel load are a direct outcome. The Smoke from the Black Summer bushfires has been linked to the deaths of nearly 450 people. Three billion animals are estimated to have died, 24 million hectares of land was burnt, and 3000 homes were lost.

Can we stop bushfires? No, but we can reduce the intensity of their damage by preparing ourselves.

How ready are you for Bushfires this summer?

As the summer approaches, the threat of the fires looms large. In NSW, 27 LGAs commence Bush Fire Danger period from September. Here is the summary of the advisory from SW Commissioner Rob Rogers.

• Get a permit and notify local fire authority, 24 hours before lighting a fire

• Escaped burns can lead to heavy penalties

• If a fire escapes, call Triple Zero (000) immediately

• Make and share bushfire survival plan

• Struggling to make a bushfire plan, visit My Fire Plan

• For information about the Bush Fire Danger Period, go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP

• To notify of your intent to burn, use the online burn notification tool at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify

Bushfires have caused significant loss to crop, livestock and even infrastructure. The Rotary Club of Hornsby District raised funds to help communities repair fences, buy machinery damaged during the bushfires. Both resources and money were raised to help people struggling for food and shelter. With its vast network of Clubs and volunteers, the Rotary Club of Hornsby District was able to reach the most vulnerable in the Hillshire district.

Will summer 2021 see ferocious Bushfires?

2021 stands to be the hottest year in record, sparking forest fires across Europe and the United States. Australia on the other hand has seen relatively wet winter. But it does raises concern of a lush harvest of grass and shrubs that can turn to potential fuel come warmer weather. Forecasts provided by AFAC and NSW RFS shows that 2021 bushfire season will not be as ferocious as 2019. But there are predictions of grassfires in the months to come.

Kelly recounts the ordeal of the Black Summers. " We had gone to visit our parents who live near the Booderee National Park at Jervis Bay in the South Coast of NSW. The fires were uncontrollable. It was hot, as if the skies were spilling fire."

Resources for Bushfire Preparedness

https://myfirewatch.landgate.wa.gov.au/ is a new app developed by the Western Australia government to monitor fire hotspots.

The Australian Disaster Resilience Knowledge hub in an excellent resource for Bushfire preparedness. Want a consolidated list of Plans, Resources and information in your area. Visit https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/bushfire/

Do you live in a Bushfire prone area in Greater Sydney? Use this Bushfire Prone Landmap from the Hill Shire Council. https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Building/Planning-Guidelines/Land-Property-Mapping/Bush-Fire-Prone-Land

If affected by Bushfires and extreme weather events, seek support from services from Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment. Support services include grants and rural financial counsellors.

Watch ABC's Busfire Preparedness series to plan for Bushfire Emergencies here https://www.abc.net.au/emergency/plan-for-emergency-bushfire/12412042

This blog acknowledges the incredible work of Australia's fire fighters and emergency response services and volunteers in the Summer of 2019. This summer let us be their ally and protect our families, wildlife and our habitat.