Official start to the 2021-22 bushfire season

The ACT Emergency Services Agency has announced the commencement of the 2021-22 bushfire season.

After the initial delay due to increased rainfall over the winter months, and above average predicted rainfall for spring, the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACTESA) Commissioner Georgeina Whelan has announced the commencement of the 2021-22 bushfire season.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said with the recent rainfall, the bushfire risk is anticipated to remain low throughout November and December.

However, when grass begins to cure over summer this will bring an increased threat of grass fires.

“Grasslands around the ACT currently have high moisture content, but as the weather starts to warm up and the grasslands dry out we will see an increased risk of fast-moving grass fires,” Minister Gentleman said.

“This is a timely reminder to all Canberrans to know what you will do in an emergency. Take the time with your household to discuss and prepare or update your Survival Plan,” he said.

“Prepare your household so you know how to respond to emergencies during COVID-19 restrictions. Knowing where to go for information and how to evacuate in a COVID-safe way will ensure the safety of your family and the community.”

ACTESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan said grass fires often develop quickly and may leave you with minimal time to get ready but that evacuations are not usually required.

“Grass fires can move three times faster than a bushfire and can start easily and spread quickly,” Commissioner Whelan said.

“If your home is impacted by a grass fire, it’s usually not required to leave your suburb or local area. Instead, avoid driving and blocking roads for emergency vehicles. Simply walk several streets away from the risk and stay up to date with emergency information via the ACTESA channels,” she said.

“The ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) has been proactively preparing in the off season by providing ongoing skill and maintenance training as well as monitoring areas for heightened risk.

“The community should be confident knowing our firefighting agencies within the territory are prepared for the approaching season.

“We are now encouraging our community to also prepare, and that includes our Rural Landowners who, through the maintenance of their rural homes and properties, provide essential land management and protection from fires which start in more rural areas.”

ACT Rural Fire Service Chief Officer Rohan Scott said that whilst the ACTRFS has been undertaking their usual training and working with land managers to prepare the territories outer protection zones, the service had also invested in new technology to increase the rapid detection of fires.

“ACTRFS has proudly partnered with The Minderoo Foundation, Optus, and the Australian National University to trial the use of ‘ground sensing’ cameras to improve detection times, allowing for a quicker response to bushfires,” Chief Officer Scott said.  

“These cameras are located at the top of all ACT fire towers and were successfully trialled across the 2020-21 fire season. The cameras will be a great asset to our firefighters this season,” he said.

From 1 November, rural land holders must obtain a free permit from ACTRFS before conducting hazard reductions, including pile burning. To apply for a permit call 6207 8609 or send an email request to rfs@act.gov.au. Forty-eight hours’ notice is required to issue a fire permit.

For more information on how to Be Emergency Ready, and to prepare your Emergency Survival Plan, visit esa.act.gov.au