We are still facing a few months of hot weather across the country and it’s time to consider the bushfire preparedness in your own garden. While the devastation of the 2020 fires is still fresh in our minds it’s a reminder for call to action.  By following a few simple tips (even if you don’t think you are in a high-risk area) it could make the difference in saving your property from ember attack.

• Ensure there is a clearly defined entry and exit to your property visible from the road. In a wildfire situation the fire brigade is very hesitant to enter a property if they can’t easily see a clear exit in the case of a wind change.

We are still facing a few months of hot weather across the country and it’s time to consider the bushfire preparedness in your own garden. While the devastation of the 2020 fires is still fresh in our minds it’s a reminder for call to action.  By following a few simple tips (even if you don’t think you are in a high-risk area) it could make the difference in saving your property from ember attack.

• Ensure there is a clearly defined entry and exit to your property visible from the road. In a wildfire situation the fire brigade is very hesitant to enter a property if they can’t easily see a clear exit in the case of a wind change.

• Service vehicle access. Remember to prune overhanging trees to ensure enough clearance for high vehicles.
• Maintaining the Hazard Reduction Zone (HRZ) or Asset Protection Zone (APZ) is a valuable barrier between the house and the path of an oncoming fire. This zone doesn’t have to be a barren landscape, in fact a well-maintained garden will keep an area cooler and reduce the risk of fire.
• Mulch covering is important to reducing soil temperatures and chunky mulches are more firewise than fine stringy ones.
• Reduce the size of garden bed areas with gravel paths, this assists in access and reduces fuel load.